Picture Credit: Twitter
The full-fledged schedule for the 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup was released by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Tuesday. 2016 Olympic Gold medallists Argentina and Africa’s highest-ranked nation South Africa will play the tournament opener.
The thrilling encounter between these two powerhouses of international hockey will take place on 13 January 2023 in the iconic Kalinga Stadium of Bhubaneswar, which hosted the last Men’s World Cup final in 2018.
The second match of the day in Bhubaneswar will see the world’s number one Australia taking on France, in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup quarter-final.
Later, on the same day, the brand-new Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela will host its first-ever FIH World Cup matches, starting with a “derby” between England and Wales. This will be followed by the local heroes of India playing in front of their home fans against Spain.
A total of 44 matches will be played in the 15th edition of the Men’s Hockey World Cup across the two venues in Odisha. Sixteen teams divided into four groups will be taking part in the tournament. All four teams in a group will play against each other and the group topper will qualify for the quarterfinals. The Final is scheduled on 29 January (7 pm local time) in Bhubaneswar.
India who are placed in Pool D alongside Spain, England and Wales will play against them on 13 January, 15 January, and 19 January respectively.
India Hockey World Cup schedule
January 13, Friday: India vs Spain – 7:00 PM IST
January 15, Sunday: India vs England – 7:00 PM IST
January 19, Thursday: India vs Wales – 7:00 PM IST
Check out the full-fledged schedule for 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup here.