Hockey World Cup Archives

500 days to go until next FIH Hockey World Cup!

02 Apr, 2025 In exactly 500 days, the very first match of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cupwill open the show for FIH’s most prestigious global hockey event! This edition, that will combine the Women’s and the Men’s World Cups, will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. In addition to the host countries, the teams of Germany (women) and Australia (men) won their ticket to the World Cup via the FIH Hockey Pro League last season. It is also thanks to the Pro League that the next two teams will qualify (a women’s team and a men’s team). The five Continental Championships – which will take place between July and September – will enable 5 other teams per gender to qualify. The remaining 7 participating teams – from 16 in total per gender – will come from the World Cup Qualifiers which will take place next year, currently scheduled from 28 February to 8 March 2026. The draw to determine the 4 pools per gender for the group stage of the World Cup will happen shortly after these Qualifiers. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “The FIH Hockey World Cup is the most prestigious of our events. This is where legends are made. A fantastic window for our top athletes to showcase their amazing skills, for the greatest delight of all hockey fans around the world. We look forward to a fantastic edition in Belgium and the Netherlands, two of the greatest hockey powerhouses, that will involve the world’s most talented female and male hockey players! On this symbolic day, the World Cup becomes more real than ever. With further teams qualifying soon, it really is taking shape, and I already invite all hockey fans to pencil the tournament dates in their agendas and plan a trip to Belgium and the Netherlands in 500 days!” Within the two host countries, preparations are intensifying, especially in terms of the arenas that will host the event. In the Netherlands, the capacity of the famous Wagener Stadium, located in Amstelveen, near Amsterdam, will be temporarily increased to 10,000 seats. In Belgium, one of the major legacies of the World Cup will be the delivery of a completely renovated stadium, dedicated exclusively to hockey and located in Wavre, south-east of the capital, Brussels. Erik Gerritsen, CEO of the Dutch Hockey Association said: “The plans to make this World Cup wonderful are coming together more and more each day! The collaboration is intensifying, and it’s shaping up to be an international hockey celebration in both the Netherlands and Belgium. We’re building on the successes of past editions in The Netherlands in 1998, 2014, and 2022, while also exploring exciting new possibilities for this tournament. We are excited for what’s to come!” His Belgian counterpart, CEO Serge Pilet added: “I am convinced that our collaboration with the Dutch federation in this joint organisation will result in a spectacular and unforgettable double-gender Hockey World Cup. For the Belgian part, this event will be held in our brand new hockey stadium in Wavre. The building of this state-of-the-art hockey arena should be completed by the end of this year. This is thrilling news for Belgian hockey!” The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup will be played from 15 to 30 August 2026.

FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 Oman 2025: One Month to Go!

Lausanne, Switzerland – With just one month to go until the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 Oman 2025, excitement is reaching fever pitch in the hockey world. From February 17 to 23, Muscat, Oman, will play host to this groundbreaking tournament, marking a significant milestone for emerging hockey nations. A New Chapter for International Hockey The FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 represents a fresh opportunity for eight ambitious teams, ranked below the teams playing in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup to make their mark on the international stage. The tournament is more than just a competition; it’s a pathway for these teams to ascend to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup and through it ultimately to the FIH Hockey Pro League, offering them a chance to test their mettle against some of the best in the sport. The Teams Set to Compete This inaugural event will see eight teams battling it out for the title and promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in 2026. Pool A: Egypt, Chile, China, Poland Pool B: Austria, Oman, Scotland, United States The Teams Set to Compete This inaugural event will see eight teams battling it out for the title and promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in 2026. Pool A: Egypt, Chile, China, Poland Pool B: Austria, Oman, Scotland, United States These teams, hailing from diverse hockey regions, will bring their unique styles and strategies to the field, promising an exhilarating display of hockey. Tournament Format The competition kicks off with pool matches, where teams are divided into two groups of four. Each team will play against every other team in their pool, striving to secure a spot in the semi-finals. From there, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the knockout stage, culminating in the grand final on February 23, where the first-ever FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 champion will be crowned. Oman: A Perfect Host Oman’s vibrant capital, Muscat, is gearing up to welcome athletes, officials, and fans from around the globe. The nation has been investing in hockey infrastructure and development, having hosted the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers and the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in 2024, making it an ideal venue for such a prestigious event. The local organizing committee, alongside the Oman Hockey Association, has been working tirelessly to ensure a world-class experience for all participants. FIH President Tayyab Ikram, speaking about the upcoming inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2, said: “The FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 offers a unique opportunity for teams ranked just below the FIH Hockey Nations Cup to showcase their talent in a global competition. This new event enables us to further promote growth and competitiveness within the sport as we bring international exposure to more and more countries around the world. I am sure their performances will not only highlight the skill and talent they possess, but also set a new benchmark for future editions of the competition. On behalf of FIH, I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman and in particular His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, as well the Local Organising Committee led by the Oman Hockey Federation Chairman, Dr. Marwan Juma Al Juma, for welcoming us once more in their beautiful country.” Rashad Al Fazari of the Oman national team said: “Participating in the inaugural FIH Nations Cup 2 in Oman is a significant moment for us, particularly as we encounter some teams for the first time. Hosting this tournament & Competing before our home crowd fills us with immense pride and motivation.” For more details on the event, including the complete match schedule, click here. #MadeForHockey #FIHNationsCup2 Keep up to date with all the latest hockey news on the FIH website and through the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Source: FIH.hockey

Unsung Heroes of Olympic Hockey: the Umpires

15 Jul, 2024 The Olympics are a grand spectacle, showcasing the pinnacle of athletic achievement. Yet, behind every stunning goal and breathtaking save lies the tireless work of hockey umpires, a key part of the officiating team, ensuring the smooth operation and fairness of the matches. This officiating team, all of whom are volunteers, includes the Technical Delegates, Technical Officials, Umpire Managers, Umpires and Medical Officers, who act together as crucial cogs in creating the global spectacle that is Olympic Hockey. In today’s story, we delve into the crucial roles that umpires play, enriched with insights from Xiaoying Liu from China and Martin Madden from Scotland, two esteemed umpires with decades of experience umpiring at the top level. The Journey to Becoming an Umpire The path to becoming a hockey umpire often begins with a deep-rooted love for the sport. Xiaoying Liu’s story is a testament to this passion. “I played hockey for 12 years and after I retired, I didn’t want to leave this group. I chose to be an umpire because I can stay connected with the people and the sport and give back to it,” Xiaoying shared. Her transition from player to umpire highlights a common trajectory where former athletes find a new way to stay connected to the game they love. Similarly, Martin Madden’s journey was influenced by family and opportunity. “I started umpiring when I was 15. My dad, an international hockey umpire, suggested I give it a try, and it turned out I had a natural ability for it,” Martin recalled. His early start and familial encouragement were pivotal in his umpiring career, underscoring the diverse routes individuals take towards becoming an international umpire. Balancing Life and Officiating: The Second Family Being an umpire is a commitment that requires balancing personal life with professional responsibilities. Xiaoying articulated this challenge: “We need to balance family, our professional careers and hockey careers. As a female umpire with a family and two children, it’s difficult to leave them for long periods. But we want to continue following our passion and perform at a high level to set an example for our kids.” For Martin, the camaraderie among umpires helps alleviate some of these challenges. “It’s all the shared experience. We spend a lot of time together at tournaments, helping each other through tough days and celebrating good ones. It’s unique because it’s not just feedback before and after matches. During the matches, the level of conversations between the two umpires on field and the feedback we share with each other in the immediate moment is not something I think we see in other sports. This creates a strong bond, making us feel like a family,” he explained. This sense of family among officials is a distinctive aspect of the hockey umpiring community, fostering a supportive environment both on and off the field. The Olympic Experience Umpiring at the Olympics is a dream come true for many umpires, but it also presents unique challenges and experiences. Xiaoying’s first Olympic experience in Tokyo was marked by strict COVID-19 protocols. “It was very special but also very different because of the restrictions. We couldn’t go out or watch other sports, and it was totally different from every other tournament,” she reflected. Without these limitations, and with sell out crowds, Xiaoying is looking forward to Paris 2024 with optimism, hoping to showcase her true abilities. Martin, who has umpired at many high-profile events including multiple World Cups and Olympic Games, mentions the stark contrast in the scale of the overall event. “The absolute size and scale of the Olympics compared to any other event is phenomenal. You realize you’re a small part of a massive movement,” he noted. As he approaches his final Olympic tournament before retirement, Martin aims to leave on a high note, cherishing the time spent with fellow umpires and striving to perform his best. The collaborative environment among umpires enhances the quality of umpiring at all levels. This is especially relevant at an event of the Olympic scale which comes with its unique challenges as the eyes of the world are set firmly on every minute of the action. “We develop strong relationships and bonds through feedback and support. This helps us manage the pressures, improve our skills and ensures the best for the sport,” Martin emphasized. The honesty and mutual respect within the umpiring community contribute significantly to the high standards expected at the Olympics. Team Building and Preparation for Paris 2024 To ensure optimal performance at the Olympic Game Paris 2024, the umpires will arrive early for a pre-Games training camp. Having taken the initiative, 28 umpires and 4 umpire managers will gather in Cergy, north-west of Paris, from 21-24 July and participate in the camp designed for team-building activities and final preparations. This will help them acclimate to the conditions and get over their travel and jet lag, which will contribute towards better performances during the matches. Such initiatives enhance their readiness and are a direct result of the familial bonds built over the years. The dedication and hard work of hockey umpires and officials are pivotal to the success of the Olympic Games. Through their stories, we gain insight into their journeys, challenges, and the camaraderie that defines their community. As they prepare for Paris 2024, their commitment to excellence and their roles as unsung heroes of the sport will undoubtedly contribute to another memorable Olympic Games. The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be played from 27 July to 9 August. For more details about the competition, visit Olympics.Hockey. The view the complete list of officials for Hockey at Paris 2024, click here. Source: FIH.hockey

2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Netherlands-Belgium: hosting agreement officially signed today in Amsterdam

28 Jun, 2024 The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, that will be co-organised by Belgium and the Netherlands, added a new chapter to its history today with the official signing of the hosting agreement at a ceremony involving FIH President Tayyab Ikram, Dutch Hockey Association President Erik Klein Nagelvoort and CEO Erik Gerritsen as well as Belgian Hockey Association President Patrick Keusters and CEO Serge Pilet. The signing took place on the occasion of the FIH Hockey Pro League matches currently being played at the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands, one of the two venues of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, together with the stadium of Wavre, in Belgium, that is currently under construction. The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup will combine the women’s and the men’s tournaments, and will be played in the host countries’ summertime, from 14 to 30 August 2026. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “I would like to start with a heartfelt thank you to the Belgian and Dutch Hockey Associations and authorities for having committed to organising the next edition of the FIH Hockey World Cup – an event that will unite our best women’s and men’s teams from around the world in one big, fantastic joint event, 12 years after the last joint World Cup in The Hague, which was a spectacular success. The Hockey World Cup holds special significance as the global hallmark event of our sport, where the best hockey athletes show their talent and skill, and taking place every four years and between Olympic Games, it is also a great opportunity to witness the changing of the guard and see up-and-coming new contenders and emerging talents. The Netherlands and Belgium are two countries where hockey is alive and thriving, and will undoubtedly make this World Cup an outstanding spectacle that will be an event to remember, and the renovations planned at the iconic Wagener Stadium and the construction of a brand-new hockey stadium in Wavre ensure a lasting legacy for hockey for years to come. I look forward to working with the two countries’ National Associations, together with the FIH professional staff, and supporting them to make this the best Hockey World Cup ever. So, I am pleased to invite all hockey fans from around the world to join us in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2 years’ time to experience the incredible show that the local organisers will undoubtedly put together and the wonderful hospitality of our hosts, but most importantly of course, to see, to admire and to cheer for your heroes, the amazing athletes at the heart of our sport”. KNHB President Erik Klein Nagelvoort said: “We are delighted to host the combined Men’s and Women’s World Cup together with Belgium. We are looking forward to two weeks of great hockey in a packed Wagener Stadion in Amsterdam/Amstelveen in August 2026. Together with Belgium and FIH we are aiming for reaching millions of existing and new hockey fans both in Netherlands and around the world and to promote hockey better than ever before.” Hockey Belgium President Patrick Keusters is enthusiastic: “I’m really happy the hosting agreement with FIH is signed now. This means we can officially kick off the organisation of the biggest international hockey event ever organised on Belgian soil. Our new stadium in Wavre will be the theatre of world class hockey games, showcasing our sport, but also our event organising know-how to millions of Belgian and international spectators. I’m really looking forward to the collaboration with our friends and colleagues of the Dutch federation. I am convinced that together we will be able to put the “Lowlands” on the top of the world once again!” #HWC2026 #HockeyInvites #HockeyEquals

FIH President and CEO press conference in Bhubaneswar – Excerpts

FIH President Tayyab Ikram and FIH CEO Thierry Weil addressed the media at a press conference today at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Both answered questions relating to the overall development of hockey and the 2023 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup. “I congratulate all stakeholders involved in making this Hockey World Cup a grand success. The global hockey family is delighted that the World Cup was organised in Odisha. Our sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri Naveen Patnaik and his dynamic team as they put in one of the best platforms for our athletes to perform”, said the FIH President in his opening remarks. “We are in touch with the Odisha government to hold more tournaments here. The investment that has been done here is simply outstanding and we will make sure that we have the proper use of it,” he added. Here are some of the excerpts from the media interaction: India holding most of the FIH events: FIH President: “We are not only focusing on India. As you know, the next World Cup will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands. But India is a big market and we’re fortunate that some of our events have been held here.” Making the sport financially sustainable: FIH CEO: “Hockey hasn’t got the needed commercial value yet. Once we get it, our sport will become financially sustainable. Media and marketing play a key role to promote our sport at the highest level. We are trying hard with broadcasters and other stakeholders to make our sport reach out to a global audience.” Teams ranked on the same position (for example, two teams ranked 9th): FIH President: “We are happy with how the ranking or classification system is right now. For us, the most important thing is the players’ well-being and mental health. Also, we need to make the sport cost-effective for all teams.” Injuries: FIH President: “As per my knowledge, injuries mostly happen when a player has a very short reaction time. Therefore, it’s more about making the game safer for all and we at FIH are working on that.” India’s matches not being telecast on television: FIH CEO: “We have been working hard on how to get more viewership on television. Also, as you all know, we have launched our Watch.Hockey app where all the matches are streamed live, but it’s not available in India because of some contractual obligations. Our efforts have always been to make hockey accessible to all and probably in the next few months you won’t miss a single match where your country plays.” On new surfaces coming into play: FIH CEO: “We want to thank our partners and suppliers, who have worked hard to develop a surface where we can play hockey without water. We used it for our Hockey5s event in Lausanne last year. In the future, pitches won’t need water. For sustainability, it’s very important to save water.”