As the global hockey family turns the page to 2026, anticipation is at an all-time high. This year promises to be one of the most exciting in our sport’s history, highlighted by the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, the premier event on the international calendar. But first, teams from around the world will battle fiercely in the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers, the first big milestone of the year.
World Cup Qualifiers Set the Stage for Global Glory (Feb-Mar 2026)
The journey toward the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup begins with a thrilling series of qualification tournaments hosted across three continents. These events represent the final stage of qualification and will determine which teams secure their place alongside automatic qualifiers at hockey’s biggest stage later this year.
In Santiago, Chile, from 28 February to 8 March 2026, both men’s and women’s teams will take to the pitch in an intense battle for World Cup berths. Meanwhile, Ismailia, Egypt (1-7 March) will host the men’s qualifier and Hyderabad, India (8-14 March) will be the venue for the women’s event.
City of Santiago, Chile (28 February – 8 March 2026)
Women: Australia, Japan, Ireland, Chile, France, Canada, Malaysia and Switzerland
Men: France, Ireland, Korea, Wales, Scotland, Canada, Poland and Chile
Ismailia, Egypt (1–7 March 2026)
Men: England, Malaysia, Pakistan, Egypt, Japan, Austria, China and USA
Hyderabad, Telangana, India (8 – 14 March 2026)
Women: England, India, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales and Austria
These qualifiers are more than just matches, they represent dreams in motion. Seven teams per gender will qualify through these events, which promise to be among the highlights of the FIH calendar next year. The teams finishing first, second, and third in each tournament will secure their place at next year’s FIH flagship event. The highest world-ranked team among those finishing in fourth place in each event will be the seventh team to qualify (see Qualification System here).
From established hockey powers to rising nations hungry for a breakthrough, every game in Santiago, Ismailia and Hyderabad will electrify fans and set the tone for a historic year ahead.
Countdown to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 (15-30 August)
As summer unfolds, the spotlight will shift to Europe for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, a celebration of hockey at its highest level. Scheduled from 15 to 30 August 2026, this edition unites the best teams in the world in two iconic hockey nations — combining elite competition with passionate local support and unforgettable atmospheres.
With 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams competing (9 teams in each competition having already qualified), the World Cup promises thrilling group battles, intense knockout drama and historic rivalries played out across world-class venues in Wavre, Belgium and Amstelveen, Netherlands.
This event marks just the third time in history that the men’s and women’s World Cups will be staged together in an inspiring demonstration of unity, excellence and the global growth of hockey.
With host nations boasting rich hockey legacies and ardent supporters, the spectacle promises unforgettable highlights from the opening whistle to the finals.
Looking Ahead: A Year of Competition, Passion and Global Stories
From the first whistle in February to the dramatic finals in August, 2026 will be a defining chapter for international hockey. Emerging talents will shine, storied traditions will continue, and the sport’s global community will come together in celebration.
Whether you’re cheering at a qualifier in Santiago, Egypt or Hyderabad or planning your trip to Belgium and the Netherlands, make this a year to remember, because hockey’s greatest moments start here.
