Hockey World Cup 2018 Team Profiles

Hockey World Cup 2018: Pakistan aim to win fifth title after navigating past funding and administrative issues

For several weeks, it appeared as though Pakistan would not be amongst the teams competing at the 2018 Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneshwar, as discontent continued to grow within the squad over months of unpaid dues to players and staff.

Hockey World Cup 2018: Resurgent Belgium aiming for first major title after faltering in Rio Olympics final

Belgium's record at World Cups is poor with a fifth-place finish in the 2014 edition being their best performance till date. The Red Lions will be gunning to claim their first major title.

Hockey World Cup 2018: Olympic champions Argentina look to add first World Cup title to trophy cabinet

For long, Argentina have been giants in South American hockey, but when it came to the world stage, Los Leones were more often than not, minnows.

Hockey World Cup 2018: Dangerous and in-form Canada capable of causing upsets in marquee event

Canada are coming off a successful tour of New Zealand where they beat the Blacksticks in a four-game test series. They are more than capable to cause a few upsets at the Hockey World Cup 2018.

Hockey World Cup 2018: Back in the fold after 28 years, lowest-ranked France look to make their presence felt

Nobody expects France to qualify out their group, nor beat their best-ever finish (7th) at the World Cup. The Bhubaneswar event would be considered a success for the French if they can compete well in their group games and maybe cause an upset or two.

Hockey World Cup 2018: Tim Drummond-led South Africa aiming for best ever finish at tournament

In preparation for the World Cup, South Africa played four matches against France and lost the series 0-3 after the first match was drawn 2-2. Coach Hopkins would hope that the team will improve their form in the World Cup.

Hockey World Cup 2018: With talented players in their ranks, Germany aiming to clinch third title in Bhubaneshwar

Stefan Kermas-coached Germany may not be the favourites at this year's Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneshwar, but that doesn't mean they can be taken lightly at such a big event.

Hockey World Cup 2018: New Zealand head coach Darren Smith banks on experience to make impact in Bhubaneswar

For the upcoming Hockey World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, New Zealand's 18-man squad features eight players with over 100 caps.

Hockey World Cup 2018: Netherlands aim to end decade-long cycle of near misses by performing 'better than ever before'

The Netherlands will take on Malaysia in their first match on 1 December, before facing Germany on 5 December and finishing the group stage by playing Pakistan on 9 December.

Hockey World Cup 2018: Defending champions Australia seek hat-trick of titles to cap successful year

Australia will open their campaign against Ireland on 30 November, before taking on England (4 December), and China (7 December). Here's a quick primer on the team.