The1978 Men's Hockey World Cup was the fourthHockey World Cup men'sfield hockey tournament. It was held inBuenos Aires, Argentina. It was won byPakistan, who defeated theNetherlands 3–2 in the final.[1] The host nation,Argentina, finished eighth. India were the defending champions but they did not qualify for the semi-finals, eventually placing sixth.
Defending champions India were to play Belgium on 18 March 1978 as the opening fixture of the tournament but was postponed due to heavy rains the previous day.[2]