The race to secure the final berths at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 has officially taken shape, with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirming that Chile, Egypt and India will host the decisive World Cup Qualifiers next year.
These tournaments, which represent the last phase of qualification, will be staged in Santiago (Chile), Ismailia (Egypt) and Hyderabad (India) across late February and early March 2026.
With the World Cup scheduled to take place from 15–30 August 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands, the qualifiers will be among the most closely watched events on next year’s hockey calendar. Each venue brings a unique competitive flavour, geographical identity, and fan culture, adding to the anticipation as teams from across the world battle for limited spots.
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A total of seven teams per gender will qualify through these three events, completing the 20-team line-up for both the men’s and women’s competitions. Each tournament will offer three direct qualification spots for the teams finishing first, second, and third. The final berth will go to the highest-ranked fourth-placed team across all qualifiers, ensuring that performance and world ranking both play a vital role in determining the final list of participants.
These qualifiers carry immense stakes. With the Pro League and Continental Championships already confirming 18 teams (nine men, nine women), this final window offers opportunities not just for established hockey nations but also for emerging teams aiming to break into the World Cup for the first time or return after long gaps.
Santiago, Chile: A balanced field with global representation (28 Feb – 8 Mar 2026)
Santiago will host a combined men’s and women’s qualifier, creating a festival-like atmosphere over 10 days. The line-up features strong contenders from Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania.
Women’s Qualifier Santiago:
Australia, Japan, Ireland, Chile, France, Canada, Malaysia, Switzerland
The women’s draw includes Australia and Japan two nations with Olympic pedigree mixing with rising European sides such as Ireland and France, both of whom have made significant strides in recent cycles. Hosts Chile, buoyed by home support, will aim to capitalise on familiar conditions, while Canada and Malaysia carry the hopes of their respective continental regions.
Men’s Qualifier Santiago:
France, Ireland, Korea, Wales, Scotland, Canada, Poland, Chile
On the men’s side, France and Ireland bring strong World Cup and Pro League experience, while Korea and Wales provide contrasting styles that promise competitive match-ups. Scotland, Canada and Poland add to the field’s depth, and hosts Chile will look to create upsets on home soil.
Hyderabad, India: A powerhouse venue for the women’s qualifier (8–14 March 2026)
India’s hockey-loving city of Hyderabad will host the women’s qualifiers, featuring a strong lineup that balances established European teams with emerging challengers from Asia and the Americas.
Women’s Qualifier Hyderabad:
England, India, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, Austria
England headline the group and enter as perennial contenders with deep tournament experience. Hosts India, who continue to rise in world rankings and global consistency, will aim to leverage home support, conditions, and squad depth. The presence of Scotland, Wales and Italy ensures competitive European representation, while Korea bring speed and structure from Asia. Uruguay and Austria round out a diverse field that reflects hockey’s expanding global footprint.
Hyderabad’s selection as a host underscores India’s growing stature in world hockey, with the city expected to draw strong crowds and high engagement as the women’s team seeks another World Cup appearance.
Ismailia, Egypt: A continental crossroads for the men’s qualifier (1–7 March 2026)
The historic city of Ismailia, located along the Suez Canal, will host a compelling men’s qualifier featuring teams from four continents.
Men’s Qualifier Ismailia:
England, Malaysia, Pakistan, Egypt, Japan, Austria, China, USA
England enter as favourites, but the rest of the field promises intensity and unpredictability. Traditional rivals Pakistan and Malaysia bring a rich subcontinental flavour, while Japan and China represent Asia’s disciplined playing styles. Egypt, as hosts, will aim to harness local support, while Austria and the USA round out a competitive and diverse line-up.
The presence of teams with contrasting tactical identities Asian structure, European physicality, and subcontinental flair should produce one of the most tactically intriguing events of the qualification cycle.
A global spread for a global sport
By awarding hosting rights to Chile, Egypt and India, the FIH has ensured that the final stage of World Cup qualification reaches three distinct hockey regions. The tournaments will not only determine the last entrants to the 2026 World Cup but also showcase the competitive depth and growing geographic reach of the sport.
With only seven spots per gender left and every match carrying World Cup implications, the Qualifiers promise to deliver high-intensity hockey, fresh storylines, and possibly a few surprises as teams chase their final opportunity to book their ticket to Belgium and the Netherlands.
