2026 Hockey World Cup Qualifiers
Three continents, 24 teams and only seven places left: the final charge for World Cup qualification begins.
In March 2026, the journey to the 2026 Hockey World Cup reaches its decisive moment as the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers take place.
With the continental championships and the FIH Hockey Pro League already securing nine teams their places, the Qualifiers represent the final gateway to the World Cup, which will be held later this year in Belgium and the Netherlands (14–30 August).
The qualifying action plays out across three cities:
Santiago, Chile (1–8 March 2026) – Men’s and Women’s Qualifiers
Ismailia, Egypt (1–7 March 2026) – Men’s Qualifier
Hyderabad, India (8–14 March 2026) – Women’s Qualifier
The format
Each event features eight teams, split into two pools of four. The top two teams from each pool advance to the semifinals. From there, the stakes are sky-high: the winners of both semifinals, along with the bronze medal winner, will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup.
This format makes the bronze medal match a straight shoot-out for a place in the World Cup. It is surely one of the most important games in international hockey.
In addition, the highest world-ranked fourth-placed team across the tournaments will claim the final World Cup spot. This means every match, every goal and every point could prove decisive.
“With only seven qualification spots per gender available through these events, the margins will be razor-thin. Every pool match matters, and every semifinal is a final in itself.”
Teams from Across the Hockey World
The Qualifiers bring together an exciting blend of traditional hockey powerhouses and emerging nations determined to make their mark.
Established forces such as Australia (women), England (men), Pakistan (men), and Korea’s men’s and women’s teams will compete alongside ambitious sides from smaller hockey nations including Wales (women), Italy (women), Austria (men) and Chile (men).
This mix of pedigree and rising talent promises intensity, unpredictability and world-class competition.
Good Luck to All Teams
With only seven qualification spots per gender available through these events, the margins will be razor-thin. Every pool match matters, and every semifinal is a final in itself.
We wish all teams, players and officials the very best of luck. Regardless of the results, each nation will have the opportunity to showcase its hard work, teamwork and skill in the game we all love.
Tournament Line-Ups
Santiago, Chile (1–8 March 2026)
Women: Australia, Japan, Ireland, Chile, France, Canada, Malaysia, Switzerland
Men: France, Ireland, Korea, Wales, Scotland, Canada, Poland, Chile
Ismailia, Egypt (1–7 March 2026)
Men: England, Malaysia, Pakistan, Egypt, Japan, Austria, China, USA
Hyderabad, India (8–14 March 2026)
Women: England, India, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, Austria