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South Africa Women and Men qualify for FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026

18 Oct, 2025 The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 came to a conclusion today with South Africa men and women winning the titles to claim the gold medal and qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026! In the women’s competition all five teams played each other in the first round robin stage. South Africa topped the pool with three wins and a draw against Kenya earning them ten points. Ghana finished second with three wins and a solo loss coming against table toppers South Africa. Kenya finished third with seven points, Nigeria finished fourth with three and Egypt finished bottom of the table without scoring a point. The pool standings set up the medal matches with third place Kenya taking on Nigeria in the bronze medal match, while South Africa took on Ghana for the top step on the podium and the coveted spot at the upcoming World Cup. Egypt finished the event in fifth place. The bronze medal match was played first with Kenya winning 1-0 against Nigeria through a final quarter goal by Grace Bwire. The gold medal match followed and the defending champions South Africa came flying out of the gates, scoring thrice in the opening quarter with Jean-Leigh du Toit, Kayla de Waal and Hannah Pearce scoring in a ten minute burst that gave them complete control of the game. Jean-Leigh added a second for her and fourth for South Africa, as they coasted to a 4-0 win, securing a spot at the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. South African captain Quanita Bobbs, speaking after the final said: “It’s always an honour to be the African Champion. We are a new team and it was a really good tournament for us to start our process to the World Cup in 2026. We are very happy that we qualified and look forward to growing as a group to be as competitive as we can next year.” In the men’s competition all six teams played each other in the first round robin stage. South Africa topped the pool with four wins and a draw. Egypt matched South Africa’s points total, with the two teams having played out an entertaining 3-3 draw, but were placed second on the table through an inferior goal difference. Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana were placed third, fourth and fifth on the table, with all three teams finishing on six points, separated by goal difference. Zambia took the final pool position. The pool standings set up the medal matches with third place Kenya taking on Nigeria in the bronze medal match, while South Africa took on Egypt for the top step on the podium and the coveted spot at the upcoming World Cup. The bronze medal match was played first with Nigeria getting the better of Kenya 3-1 thanks to a star turn by James Samaila who scored a brace in the final quarter to lift his team to the podium. Hosts Egypt then took on defending champions South Africa in the finals. The visitors made the perfect start with Mustaphaa Cassiem scoring twice in the opening quarter. Egypt pulled on back in the second quarter to set up a thrilling second half. South Africa took complete control of the game in the second half though, scoring thrice as Mustaphaa Cassiem completed his hat-trick, while Nicolas Spooner and Calvin Davis added a goal apiece, as South Africa continued their continental dominance winning yet another gold at the Africa Cup of Nations, and confirming their spot at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Egypt through their second place finish qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers to be played in 2026. South African skipper Dayaan Cassiem, speaking after the win, said: “It means a lot to the team and the South African hockey community to win this tournament and qualify for the World Cup. A lot of hard work from the players and coaching staff had gone into the preparation for this tournament and we are looking forward to returning home and celebrating this moment.” World Cup Qualification South Africa become the ninth team to qualify for the men’s FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Australia and Spain qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. Argentina secured qualification through the Pan American Cup, Germany qualified from the Eurohockey Championship, New Zealand qualified through the Oceania Cup and India qualified through the Asia Cup. The remaining seven teams will qualify through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026. Based on their performance at the Pan American Cup, the EuroHockey Championships, Asia Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations the following men’s teams have qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026: USA, Canada, Chile, France, England, Austria, Poland, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Egypt. The winner of the three-match series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will complete the line-up. South Africa become the ninth team to qualify for the women’s FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Germany and Argentina qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. USA secured qualification through the Pan American Cup, Spain qualified from the Eurohockey Championship, New Zealand qualified through the Oceania Cup and China qualified through the Asia Cup. The remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026. Based on their performance at the Pan American Cup, EuroHockey Championships, Oceania Cup and Asia Cup the following women’s teams have qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026: Uruguay, Chile, Canada, Ireland, England, France, Italy, Wales, Scotland, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, India, Japan, Korea and Malaysia. #HWC2026 Source: FIH.hockey

FIH President Tayyab Ikram attends the African Hockey Federation 25th Ordinary Congress in Ismailia, Egypt

FIH President continues to lead with purpose and passion, engaging directly with hockey communities around the world to strengthen collaboration and shared growth. He shared: “It is a great pleasure to meet with the African Hockey Federation (AfHF) and its member National Associations during the 25th Ordinary Congress in Ismailia, Egypt. This gathering provided an important opportunity to exchange ideas and share updates on FIH’s ongoing projects and strategic initiatives, with particular focus on our Empowerment and Engagement Strategy — a cornerstone of our global development vision. Our discussions focused on advancing the growth of hockey across Africa, which remains an essential part of our collective mission and global development priorities. Together with the AfHF leadership, we explored pathways for sustainable progress, including development grants, Hockey5s pitch installations, Olympic Solidarity initiatives, and strategies to further enhance participation in international events. I sincerely appreciate the dedication of AfHF President Seif Ahmed, the African Hockey leadership, and all AfHF National Associations for their warm hospitality, commitment, and tireless efforts to elevate hockey across the continent. I look forward to the Africa Cup of Nations, where two teams — one per gender — will qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.” #HockeyForAll #Development #Engagement #FIH #AfHF #AfricaHockey #Leadership #Hockey5s #Empowerment #OneHockeyFamily #HockeyDevelopment

First-ever FIH ParaHockey World Cup to take place in 2026

08 Oct, 2025 In addition to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, a historical milestone will happen at the same time and in the same host-countries: the first ever FIH ParaHockey World Cup! Announcing the news at a press conference in Brussels recently, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “I’m so happy that we’ve decided to create the first ever FIH ParaHockey World Cup, which will be played alongside the 2026 World Cup, also in Belgium and the Netherlands. This is a great milestone. For us, diversity and inclusion are key principles that we’re including in everything we do. ParaHockey is a steadily growing format in our sport globally, which we’re very proud of. I already invite all hockey fans to come and support ParaHockey athletes for this historic event, that will be repeated in the future as well.” The 2026 FIH ParaHockey World Cup will be a 6-a-side tournament played at HC Myra in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and Louvain-La-Neuve HC, in Belgium, from 21 to 25 August 2026. The finals will be held in the same arenas as those hosting the FIH Hockey World Cup, namely the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen and the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre. The 16 participating teams will be announced soon. ParaHockey for athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) is a hockey format that has been established 14 years ago. True to its values of diversity and inclusion applied in all its policies and activities, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has been supporting ParaHockey for many years. And the sport keeps growing! In the last survey organised by FIH to count the number of hockey participants worldwide, more than 30 National Associations indicated that they had launched ParaHockey in their country. As a further sign of inclusion, ParaHockey involves mixed gender teams. In 2023, ParaHockey was introduced for the first time as a demonstration sport at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, with 12 countries taking part. By creating this World Cup now, FIH is giving ParaHockey an unprecedented impulse that shall boost its growth like never before. As a major illustration of that, this World Cup should pave the way for hockey to make its debut as a recognised sport of the Special Olympics World Summer Games, starting with the 2027 edition in the City of Santiago, Chile. #ParaHockey Source: FIH.hockey

Celebrating International Hockey Day 2025

11 Apr, 2025 After a memorable debut last year as part of the FIH Centenary celebrations, the International Hockey Day is back — and this time, it’s even bigger! Mark your calendars for 12 and 13 April 2025 as the global hockey family comes together once again to honour our sport, our community, and over 100 years of hockey history. Whether you’re a player, coach, volunteer, fan, or simply someone who loves the game, this is your moment to shine. Join hands with hockey lovers from all corners of the world and make this celebration a true reflection of our passion and unity. Message from FIH President Tayyab Ikram “International Hockey Day is a celebration of what makes our sport so special — the community. It’s not just about the game itself, but about the people who breathe life into it every single day: the young child picking up a stick for the first time, the volunteers who dedicate countless hours, the athletes who inspire millions, and the fans whose passion is unmatched. This day is for everyone who loves hockey — regardless of where you live, how you play, or what role you have in our ecosystem. It’s a reminder of our shared values, our unity, and our unstoppable spirit. Let us use this occasion to show the world the joy, diversity, and strength of the global hockey family. “Together, let’s make #InternationalHockeyDay throb with life and passion as we celebrate a Centenary year that has produced tremendous new heights for FIH and hockey.” Here’s how National Associations, clubs and the larger hockey community is taking part in the celebrations: (📸: Thai Hockey Association celebrates the International Hockey Day) There are countless ways to celebrate #InternationalHockeyDay — and they’re all about creativity, joy, and togetherness: Creating FIH-themed T-shirts and wearing them during matches, training sessions, or local meetups — especially with young players! Printing the FIH logo, gathering friends or teammates, and taking group photos showcasing hockey pride. Forming the number “100” on hockey pitches using sticks, balls, or players — and capturing it from above for an unforgettable tribute to the sport’s Centenary. A Celebration for Everyone Whether you’re organising a local event, playing a friendly match, or simply posting a message of support, your voice matters. This celebration is about you — the lifeblood of the sport — and the incredible community we’ve built over the past century. So this 12–13 April, wherever you are in the world, come out and celebrate International Hockey Day with heart, energy, and love for the game. Let’s celebrate hockey. Let’s celebrate each other. Let’s celebrate #InternationalHockeyDay. Don’t forget to post your celebration on social media using #InternationalHockeyDay and tag @fihockey. Do you have an awesome hockey development project that you would like to share with the world? Please tell us about it here: https://fih.formstack.com/forms/hockeydev2025 Source: FIH.hockey

Re-elected as FIH President, Tayyab Ikram receives overwhelming support from Congress

09 Nov, 2024 On the occasion of the 49th FIH Statutory Congress taking place in Muscat, Oman, on 9 November 2024, Tayyab Ikram was re-elected as FIH President. Reacting to his re-election, he said: “My heart is full of gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in me. Many of you have told me that a lot has been achieved in the last 2 years, and that FIH is now much closer to you. However, today, I feel that this is my first day. You’ve given me a new start! I will continue this journey. It will be a time of engagement, a time of empowerment. Athletes are, and will remain, my first priority. They need to be at the centre of everything FIH does.” Danae Andrada (URU), Alberto Daniel Budeisky (ARG) and Erik Cornelissen (NED) were re-elected and Katrin Kauschke (GER) elected as Ordinary Members of the FIH Executive Board. Before the election, Hazel Kennedy (ZAM) and Deon James Morgan (RSA) withdrew their candidature. As an additional sign confirming the steady growth of hockey worldwide, the Congress approved the application of no less than 6 new members, namely Bahrain, Chad, Curacao, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan and Senegal. This brings the overall number of FIH members to 146. In his President’s report at the beginning of proceedings, Tayyab Ikram tackled numerous key strategic priorities, such as the FIH empowerment and engagement strategy, athletes’ welfare, hockey development or events. He highlighted specifically some of the major accomplishments of FIH since the last Congress: Governance: FIH advancing in 5th ASOIF Review Events: Junior World Cup expanding to 24 teams; Nations Cup and Nations Cup 2 introduced, Hockey5s World Cup with much enhanced accessibility Engagement: National Associations Summits Commercial: Partnerships with Hero MotoCorp, Nike and Laureus Social media performance during the Olympic Games Paris 2024: 31 million video views, 225.000 new followers and 125 million impressions Sustainability: FIH winning 2024 IOC Climate Action Award Olympic Solidarity: 60+ projects totaling over USD 2 million The FIH President also announced the launch of a global mental health project for athletes, as well as the launch of athletes and development portals on FIH.hockey. Other decisions: The FIH audited accounts were submitted to Congress and subsequently approved The appointment of Eduardo Mario Guelfand (Argentina) as Judicial Commission President was ratified The recipients of Awards – including FIH Awards, FIH President’s Awards and Order of Merit, amongst others – were revealed (see full list of recipients here). At the start of today’s Congress, IOC President Thomas Bach addressed the delegates specifically, via a video message. For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please download the Watch.Hockey app or follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website. #HockeyInvites #HockeyEquals