As we count down to the highly anticipated FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, we take a closer look at the competing men's and women's teams ready to battle for global supremacy. In this special preview series, we profile each nation's journey to the tournament, examining their road to qualification, historic achievements, key players to watch, and the tactical minds leading them into the ultimate hockey showcase. In today’s story we take a look at the Chilean women’s team, ranked #13 in the world.
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After decades of FIH Hockey World Cup qualification heartache, Chile are now preparing for their second successive appearance and the global showpiece. Las Diablas were in imperious form at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier on home turf in Santiago, finishing top of the standings with wins over Switzerland (6-0), Australia (2-1), France (1-0), Japan (1-1 2-0 after shoot-out) and Australia again (1-0) to thrill the home fans. Maria Maldonado, Josefa Salas and team captain Manuela Urroz each contributed two goals to the success, with Natalia Salvador being named Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Antonia Irazoqui scored the winner in the final against Australia, netting from open play in the seventh minute.
The team were recently in action ah the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in New Zealand, reaching the semi-finals before suffering a heavy 6-0 loss to India and then being narrowly denied bronze by Pan American rivals USA, losing 3-2 thanks to a 46th minute goal from Ashley Sessa. Fernanda Arrieta finished joint third in the scoring table with four goals.
Nickname: Las Diablas
How they qualified: 1st place – 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier, Santiago (CHI)
Notable honours: Pan American Cup silver medallists (2017, 2022), Pan American Cup bronze medallists (2009), Pan American Games bronze medallists (2011), 2x FIH Hockey Nations Cup bronze medallists (2023-24, 2024-25), 5x South American Championship silver medallists (2003, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2016), 2x South American Championship silver medallists (2006, 2014)
Rank in previous WC editions: 2022 - 13th
Head coach: Cristobal Rodriguez. Having succeeded Sergio Vigil in 2024, Cristobal Rodriguez has safely continued the stellar work of legendary Argentine tactician by guiding Las Diablas to a second successive FIH Hockey World Cup qualification as well a bronze medal at the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2024-25.
Quote: Cristobal Rodriguez: Qualifying for the World Cup for a second time confirms Chile’s growth. Our goal is to compete at the highest level, to continue learning, and gain the experience needed to be part of the world hockey elite teams in short term.
One to watch: Manuela Urroz. Chile’s captain and driving force. The 34-year-old striker and goal creator has played a starring role in virtually all her team’s successes over the last ten years. At the time of writing, Urroz had made 265 appearances for Las Diablas and scored 125 goals, the vast majority of which have come from open play.
FIH team / stats page:click here.
Website:www.chilehockey.cl
X: @chile_hockey Facebook: @chilehockey Instagram: chile_hockey
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 begins on 15 August, with both men’s and women’s teams in action on opening day across the Netherlands and Belgium. For more information on the competition including the competition format, pools and the complete match schedule, click here.
