Excitement Builds for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers
The anticipation for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup is reaching a fever pitch, especially after the announcement of the venues for the qualification tournaments. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed that Chile, Egypt, and India will serve as host nations for this exhilarating final stage of qualification.
Where and When?
The qualifiers are set to take place as follows:
- City of Santiago, Chile: February 28 – March 8, 2026
- Hyderabad, India: March 8-14, 2026
- Ismailia, Egypt: March 1-7, 2026
These events promise to be a spectacular showcase of talent, skill, and national pride as teams vie for their chance to compete in the World Cup.
The Stakes: Teams Battling for Glory
This qualifying round is crucial, as it identifies the final teams to join the flagship event. A total of seven teams per gender will earn their spot at the World Cup, which will be hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15-30, 2026. Teams finishing in the top three positions at each tournament will automatically qualify. Additionally, the highest-ranked team among the fourth-place finishers will claim the seventh spot.
Teams Competing in Chile: A Diverse Spectrum
In Santiago, the women’s tournament will feature an impressive lineup, including teams like Australia, Japan, Ireland, and the host nation Chile. The men’s side will see formidable competitors such as France, Korea, and Scotland. This diverse mix highlights the global nature of hockey and sets the stage for thrilling matchups.
Women’s Teams in Santiago:
- Australia
- Japan
- Ireland
- Chile
- France
- Canada
- Malaysia
- Switzerland
Men’s Teams in Santiago:
- France
- Ireland
- Korea
- Wales
- Scotland
- Canada
- Poland
- Chile
The Action in Hyderabad: A Battleground for Asia and Beyond
Hyderabad will be the focus for women’s hockey from March 8-14, 2026. This tournament promises to be fiercely competitive, featuring nations like England, India, Korea, and Italy. The excitement is palpable, especially for the host nation, India, whose supporters will be cheering them on at every turn.
Women’s Teams in Hyderabad:
- England
- India
- Scotland
- Korea
- Italy
- Uruguay
- Wales
- Austria
Ismailia: A Historic Venue for Men’s Hockey
The qualifiers in Ismailia, running from March 1-7, will host the men’s tournament. Teams such as England, Pakistan, and Malaysia will add spice to this tournament. Ismailia, known for its rich history and passionate hockey fanbase, is expected to create an electrifying atmosphere for the matches.
Men’s Teams in Ismailia:
- England
- Malaysia
- Pakistan
- Egypt
- Japan
- Austria
- China
- USA
Path to the World Cup: Already Qualified Teams
In a testament to the competitive nature of international hockey, a total of 18 teams (9 per gender) have already secured their places in the World Cup, having qualified through various mechanisms like the FIH Hockey Pro League, Continental Championships, and their roles as host countries. This established lineup promises to elevate the competition to new heights.
Looking Ahead
As these qualification tournaments approach, teams across the globe will be fine-tuning their strategies and preparing for thrilling contests that will be etched into the annals of hockey history. As national pride runs high, fans can expect a captivating display of skill, endurance, and sportsmanship in the lead-up to the highly anticipated 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.