The quest for qualification to the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026 reaches a dramatic finale as Santiago, Chile prepares to host one of the sport’s most crucial events of 2026 — the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers from 1–8 March 2026 at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional, Santiago.
The Stakes: World Cup Spots on the Line
With continental championships and FIH Hockey Pro League having already secured nine teams their spots, this event represents the final opportunity for the eight participating nations to earn their place at hockey’s flagship tournament later this year in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The tournament format splits the field into two pools of four teams, with the top two from each pool progressing to the semifinals. The winners of both semifinals — and the bronze medal match — will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup. Additionally, the highest world-ranked team finishing fourth across both men's qualifier events — Santiago and Ismailia — will also qualify.
Eight Teams, One Goal
The men’s qualifiers in Santiago brings together a compelling mix of teams from around the globe:
- Pool A: France, Scotland, Wales, Chile
- Pool B: Ireland, Canada, Korea, Poland
These lineups present a fascinating blend of seasoned contenders and ambitious challengers:
- France & Ireland — European sides with rich recent form aiming to assert themselves early.
- Scotland, Poland & Wales — Determined teams eager to make their mark and qualify for the World Cup.
- Canada & Korea — Experienced international competitors with strong identities and a desire to return to past glories.
- Host Nation Chile — Energised by home support, Chile will look to harness local passion in front of their fans and return to the World Cup after debuting in the previous edition.
Opening Day Showdowns
The preliminary round gets underway on Sunday, 1 March, with all fixtures played at the heart of Chilean hockey:
- 12:00 — Ireland vs Canada (Pool B)
- 14:15 — Korea vs Poland (Pool B)
- 16:30 — France vs Scotland (Pool A)
- 19:45 — Wales vs Chile (Pool A)
From 1-4 March the teams will battle through the pool stage to define the semifinals and classification matches. The semi-finals will be played on 6 March followed by the bronze medal match and the finals on 8 March 2026.
Beyond the Pitch
For players, coaches and fans alike, this tournament is more than a series of matches — it’s a defining moment in their journey to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. The blend of experience, passion, and emerging talent promises to deliver compelling hockey and unforgettable moments in Santiago.
