Cairo will host the first FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup from 7 to 12 December 2026. Twenty-four teams will take part, 12 women’s and 12 men’s, from all corners of the world.

It is the first world championship for youth players in Hockey5s, the five-a-side format that debuted at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. It is also the first FIH world event for this age group to be held in Africa.

“One of the commitments of the FIH Empowerment and Engagement Strategy launched at the Olympic House in 2022 was to initiate world level events for U18 athletes. This 24 team event in Cairo is the fulfilment of that commitment and another step towards making international hockey relevant to a younger generation. We are additionally proud that some teams will receive the support of Olympic Solidarity to assist with national development and attendance in Cairo” commented FIH President Tayyab Ikram.

Empowering Tomorrow`s Leaders

In addition to the FIH Youth Hockey World Cup, all young participants will engage in a hockey and Olympic Values education camp. The camp and pre-arrival preparations for some participating nations comes with the support of the Olympic Solidarity Youth Athlete Development Programme. The programme supports smaller nations with their youth athlete development pathways.

The education programme includes:

  • Athlete Talent Camp (7-8 December). Players develop Hockey5s tactics and skills, Olympic values, wellbeing and long-term athlete development.
  • Youth Leadership Camp (7-12 December). Young team officials and umpires get practical leadership and officiating experience during the tournament. Those who complete it receive an FIH Level 1 Umpiring Award or an FIH Youth Leadership Award.

FIH Youth Hockey World Cup – Pools and Format

Pools

Women

  • Pool A: India, Egypt, Brazil, Kazakhstan
  • Pool B: Poland, Ukraine, Kenya, Iran
  • Pool C: South Africa, Uruguay, Nigeria, China

Men

  • Pool A: Poland, Nigeria, South Africa, Uruguay
  • Pool B: India, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Chile
  • Pool C: Egypt, Kenya, Iran, Austria

Format

Pool matches take place on 9 and 10 December, and each team plays three. All 12 teams in each competition are then ranked across the pools:

  • Semi-finals (11 December): the three pool winners and the best runner-up
  • 5th–8th place: the other two runners-up and the two best third-placed teams
  • 9th–12th place: the lowest third-placed team and the three fourth-placed teams

Final and Bronze medal matches, plus the remaining classification games will take place on 12 December.

Watch LIVE

All matches from the FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup 2026 will be streamed live on watch.hockey