Beach Hockey: Expanding Horizons in the Hockey Family

19 Aug, 2025 Since being officially recognised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in October 2023, World Beach Hockey has quickly grown into a dynamic part of the global hockey ecosystem. In less than two years, sixty countries have registered with World Beach Hockey, with an ambitious target of 100 by 2026. This growth has been underpinned by major milestones: building an international structure blending business and hockey expertise, launching targeted social media to showcase the sport’s benefits, securing partnerships with equipment manufacturers in China and India, and staging beach hockey events worldwide. The sport has also found resonance in diverse communities, from collaborations with indigenous groups in Australia to a recent program in Ukraine introducing beach hockey to war veterans. A Unique Gateway into Hockey Unlike traditional hockey, which can be technically demanding, beach hockey is designed to be safe, fun, and easy to pick up. Players, whether children or adults, adapt quickly, often discovering a new passion for the game. A four-year participation study confirmed that many who first tried beach hockey went on to play 11-a-side or indoor hockey. To capture the imagination of younger and non-traditional audiences, World Beach Hockey promotes the game under the banner of Xtreme Beach Hockey. With its vibrant beach setting and fast-paced play, the format appeals to those looking for accessible and alternative sporting experiences. Collaboration with FIH Partnership with the FIH is central to beach hockey’s vision. Early discussions with FIH President Tayyab Ikram and the FIH Board have focused on mutual growth: putting sticks in the hands of first-time players and integrating beach hockey into hockey’s broader development framework. Potential areas of collaboration include event management, coaching and umpiring education, joint beach hockey activations at FIH tournaments, and alignment with FIH projects such as Women in Hockey. Challenges and Solutions As with any new format, challenges remain. National Associations (NAs) often need guidance on how to integrate beach hockey into packed calendars. World Beach Hockey is addressing this by working directly with the NAs to highlight the sport’s recruitment potential. Infrastructure requirements are modest—sand courts can be set up on beaches, indoors, or as standalone facilities. Taking inspiration from the success of beach volleyball, the organisation aims to replicate proven models of sand-based sport development. Recognition, too, takes time, but strong social media promotion is helping accelerate awareness. Looking Ahead World Beach Hockey’s immediate focus is on growing the sport as an inclusive, cost-effective community activity for all ages. The long-term vision is bold: dedicated national, continental, and world championships, and eventual inclusion in multi-sport events such as the ANOC World Beach Games. The momentum continues with a landmark event in Melbourne on 1–2 November 2025. The inaugural Melbourne Xtreme Beach Hockey Cup will host 64 teams from across Australia and the world, with men’s and women’s competitions on day one, followed by youth tournaments for boys and girls aged 9–14 on day two. As Greg Hill, President of World Beach Hockey, emphasises: “The beach is a wonderful place to play hockey—you have the sun, sea, and sand. We hope to make beach hockey the most exciting beach sport in the world.” Source: FIH.hockey

FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026: One Year to Go! 

15 Aug, 2025 In exactly one year from now, on 15 August 2026, the hockey world will come together to celebrate the start of the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. The countdown has officially begun, and anticipation is building for international hockey’s premier competition that promises to be as thrilling as it is historic. Two Nations, One Global Spectacle From 15 August 2026, the 16 best men’s and women’s teams on the planet will battle for glory across world-class venues in Wavre, Belgium and Amstelveen, Netherlands. Known for their rich hockey heritage, passionate fan bases, and vibrant sporting culture, both nations are ready to deliver an unforgettable festival of hockey. This edition will mark only the second time in history that the men’s and women’s competitions are staged together, bringing the entire global hockey family into one shared moment of excitement. A Look Back The Men’s Hockey World Cup made its debut in 1971 in Barcelona, Spain, with Pakistan crowned the inaugural champions. Over the decades, the tournament has grown into one of the sport’s most prestigious events, producing legendary rivalries and iconic performances. Pakistan are the most successful team in the men’s World Cup history, winning the title four times between 1971 and 1994. Following closely behind with three titles each, are Australia, Netherlands and Germany – the reigning men’s champions from the 2023 event in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, India. The Women’s Hockey World Cup began in 1974 in Mandelieu, France, where the Netherlands claimed the first title. Since then, the event has showcased the evolution and global rise of women’s hockey, with the Dutch women emerging as the most successful team in history, winning the competition 9 times, including the previous edition played in Spain and Netherlands in 2022. The tournament has been a platform for unforgettable moments and witnessed era defining performances from some of the best players in the world like Luciana Aymar, Alyson Annan, Natascha Keller, Rani Rampal, Eva de Goede and many others. 2026: A New Chapter Belgium and the Netherlands have been at the forefront of world hockey over the past few decades, with their on-pitch performances and the depth of their hockey development. From packed stadiums in Wavre and Amstelveen to vibrant fan zones and world-leading broadcast coverage, every detail is being prepared to deliver a World Cup experience like no other. With one year to go, six men’s and six women’s teams have already qualified for the World Cup, while the others prepare for their continental championships and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers to secure their spot in international hockey’s biggest celebration! In the men’s competition, 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 recently through their gold medal finish at the Pan American Cup 2025, while Germany have already qualified from the ongoing EuroHockey Championship. Continental championships in Asia, Africa and Oceania over the coming months will determine four more direct qualifiers for the event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026. In the women’s competition, 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 their qualification recently at the Pan American Cup 2025, while Spain have already qualified from the ongoing EuroHockey Championship. Continental championships in Asia, Africa and Oceania over the coming months will determine four more direct qualifiers for the event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026. Remarking on the occasion of one year to go till the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “The FIH Hockey World Cup is our flagship event. Where legends are made. Where teams give it all for a unique moment of glory. Where athletes celebrate a moment of performance and togetherness. The fact that both women and men will play the 2026 World Cup at the same time and in the same venues makes it even more special! Our co-hosts, Belgium and the Netherlands, are already working very hard to make this event the best World Cup ever! So, my message to all hockey fans around the world is: pencil this event in bold letters in your agenda. You can expect an unforgettable event!” Dutch Hockey Association CEO Erik Gerritsen said: “Now that the first teams have qualified, the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is getting closer. Preparations are in full swing, and we’re really looking forward to it!” Hockey Belgium CEO Serge Pilet said: “At the moment we’re still battling it out at the Euros in Mönchengladbach, but in just one year we’ll be back on home soil—only 180 km away! Our brand-new stadium in Wavre will set the stage for the world’s top hockey teams to shine. Get ready for an unforgettable showdown!” Source: FIH.hockey

Argentina men secure FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 qualification

03 Aug, 2025 The men’s Pan American Cup 2025 came to an end today with Argentina defeating USA in the men’s final to win the gold medal and secure qualification to the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026! With one direct qualification spot available to the Americas at the upcoming World Cup, the winner of the final was assured qualification to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026 and with Argentina securing a 10-0 win over USA in the final, they become the fifth team to book their place in hockey’s premier world event next year. Argentina, placed in Pool A went unbeaten through the tournament, winning all three of their pool stage matches, followed by wins in the semi-final and the final. They started off their campaign in perfect fashion winning 13-0 against Brazil and followed that up with a clinical 3-0 win over USA who they would face in the final once again. A 12-0 win in the final pool match against hosts Uruguay secured the top spot in Pool A for Argentina sending them through to the semi-final. Argentina were paired up against Canada in the semi-final, who finished second in Pool B behind Chile. Argentina once again showed their continental supremacy dispatching Canada in a 9-1 win, despite Canada scoring the first goal of the game. Tomas Domene with 4 goals and Nicolas della Torre with 3 goals starred in the semi-final, taking Argentina one step closer to world cup qualification. The Leones were relentless on attack in the final and put the American defence to sword, winning the contest with a massive 10-0 scoreline. Tomas Domene, Tadeo Marucci and Bautista Capurro scored a brace each, with Nicolas della Torre, Lucas Toscani, Lucas Martinez and Lucio Mendez also getting on the scoresheet. The win gives Argentina their fourth consecutive, and fifth overall title in the Pan American Cup, and punches their ticket to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Tournament top scorer Tomas Domene, who also made his 100th appearance for Argentina, said: “I am very happy, beyond anything else, to play and represent Argentina 100 times. I think that I am very emotional today, with the team having qualified for the World Cup, which was our objective from the start of the tournament. I think we had a great tournament, from start to finish, we showed who we are. We tried to give our best in every match, and I think that showed, and this result reflects that.” Argentina have become the fifth team to secure qualification to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, secured direct qualification. At the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24, it was Australia who qualified for the World Cup as champions of the season. Spain were the fourth team to secure their spot, finishing second behind already qualified Netherlands in the 2024/25 season of the Pro League. Continental championships in Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceania over the coming months will determine four more direct qualifiers for the event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026. Source: FIH.hockey

Road to the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: Pan American Cup Preview

18 Jul, 2025 Starting from 24 July, Montevideo, Uruguay will play host to the Men’s and Women’s Pan American Cups 2025 – the Americas’ premier hockey tournament running 24 July – 3 August – with the champions punching their tickets to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. Tournament Format & Pools Both men’s and women’s tournaments will feature 8 teams, split into Pool A & B, with the top two from each pool advancing to semi-finals while the bottom two teams will play for classifications and world ranking points. Women’s Pools: Pool A: Argentina, Canada, Paraguay, Uruguay Pool B: Chile, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, USA Men’s Pools: Pool A: Argentina, Brazil, United States, Uruguay Pool B: Canada, Chile, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago Match Schedule Both tournaments will run in parallel from 24 July to 3 August. The men’s competition will be the first one to get underway on 24 July with Canada taking on Mexico in the opening contest from the Pool B. The second Pool B match between Chile and Trinidad & Tobago will also be played later in the day. Pool A matches begin the following day with Argentina taking on Brazil in the first match, followed by United States vs hosts Uruguay later in the day. In the women’s competition Pool A action will begin on 24 July with Canada taking on Paraguay in the opener, followed by Argentina vs Uruguay as the final match of the day. Pool B matches begin the following day with Chile vs Trinidad & Tobago starting us off, followed by United States taking on Mexico. The pool stages will be played from 24 to 29 July followed by classification and medal matches to be played from 31 July to 3 August. The winner of each competition will earn a coveted spot at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. If Argentina women, who have qualified via the Pro League, win the women’s competition, the silver medalists will secure a spot at the World Cup instead. The Pan American Cup 2025 are more than continental battles – they are gateways to the global stage in 2026. With top-tier opponents, continental rivalries, and national pride at stake, Montevideo’s hockey showcase promises high drama and exceptional skill. Where to Watch All the matches from the Pan American Cup 2025 will be available to stream on the Watch.Hockey app worldwide*. Click here to get your pass today! *Except in Argentina due to broadcasting agreements in place. Source: FIH.hockey