Lausanne, Switzerland – In exactly 100 days, the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026 will start with an exciting match between the Australian and Japanese Women’s national teams. This symbolic milestone also marks the day the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has designated for the third edition of its now annual ‘World Hockey Day’, launched on the occasion of its Centenary in 2024.

Thirty-two teams – 16 women’s and 16 men’s – comprising the world’s finest hockey athletes, will compete for the coveted World Cup trophy from 15 to 30 August.

This year’s World Cup symbolises inclusivity – not only because the Women’s and Men’s World Cups are being held simultaneously at the same venues, but also due to the launch of the inaugural FIH Hockey Para Hockey World Cup. Therefore, on ‘World Hockey Day’, FIH has urged the global hockey community to launch new projects to expand hockey into new communities.

Also, Continental Federations and National Associations have been invited to plant 100 trees by the end of the year as part of the “Give Back To Forest” initiative launched a couple of years ago by FIH, under the impulse of FIH President Tayyab Ikram who said: “Celebrating ‘World Hockey Day’ allows the global hockey community to unite around the joint objectives of developing our sport, reaching out to new communities, and contributing to a better world through hockey. Linking it to the symbolic mark of ‘100 days to go’ to the next World Cup is very fitting, as it reminds us how much our most prestigious event is more than a display of sporting excellence, since it encompasses a very strong social dimension too. This prominent milestone also reminds us that athletes’ development and the growth of the game shall always be at the centre of everything we do. The World Cup presents a unique opportunity to magnify our great athletes!”

As preparations for FIH’s most prestigious event intensify, fans around the world are invited to name the two lovely mascots unveiled at the draw on 17 March. To participate, fans simply need to click on this post and submit their suggestions in the comments.

The host National Associations have also planned some specific activities to celebrate both World Hockey Day and the 100-day milestone.

In Belgium, the second stop of the FIH Hockey World Cup Promo Tour will take place in the city of Charleroi. The Promo Tour brings hockey to various cities and municipalities across Brussels and Wallonia, offering the public and especially young people the opportunity to discover hockey, meet the local club, and learn more about the World Cup. At every location, a player from the national teams – the Red Lions and Red Panthers – will also be present to bring the tournament's energy to the cities.

Meanwhile, the Dutch Hockey Association will take the opportunity of World Hockey Day and the 100‑day milestone to the FIH Hockey World Cup to introduce the Fanzone, a vibrant heart of fan entertainment at the tournament. Alongside the world‑class action on the pitch, the Fanzone will bring top‑level excitement off the pitch, offering fans an immersive experience filled with live performances from top artists, dynamic entertainment, appearances from national team players, pre‑ and post- match insights, and a unique insight into the part of the tournament taking place in Belgium.

Fans should also be sure to secure their tickets for the mega event! All information in this regard is available here: www.worldcup.hockey.

All matches will be available on Watch.Hockey. Don’t miss purchasing your World Cup Pass now to enjoy an Early Bird rate: https://watch.hockey/signup

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