Saturday 28 February 2026
FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Men
Ismailia, Egypt - Times GMT +2
1 Mar 2026 13:00 MAS v AUT (B)
1 Mar 2026 15:00 PAK v CHN (B)
1 Mar 2026 18:45 ENG v JPN (A)
1 Mar 2026 20:45 EGY v USA (A)
Pool standings
FIH Match Centre
FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: latest quotes from the Captains!
With the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers on the cusp of getting underway – with pushback in Ismailia, Egypt and Santiago, Chile, starting tomorrow (1 March), followed by action beginning in Hyderabad, India from next Sunday (8 March) – here’s what the Captains of the participating teams have to say:
Coach Sarjit needs results in Ismailia to keep his job
By Aftar Singh
National hockey coach Sarjit Singh’s job is on the line as the World Cup Qualifier begins tomorrow in Ismailia, Egypt. - BERNAMA PIC
KUALA LUMPUR: National hockey coach Sarjit Singh's job is on the line as the World Cup Qualifier begins tomorrow in Ismailia, Egypt.
England Women’s Hockey Team Arrives in Hyderabad for FIH World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Hyderabad, Telangana
Hyderabad: The England women’s national hockey team has officially touched down in Hyderabad, ready to compete in the highly anticipated FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Hyderabad, Telangana from March 8 to 14.
FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 Hyderabad, Telangana Goes Green as Adoptrees Comes Onboard as Sustainability Partner
Adoptrees will plant 50 trees for every penalty corner and 100 trees for every goal
Hyderabad: Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, Hockey India today announced Adoptrees as the official Sustainability Partner for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Hyderabad, Telangana, scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from 8 to 14 March 2026.
With sports in her blood, Jyoti Singh, a daughter of an international athlete, aims to forge a legacy of her own
Bengaluru: Born in Jhansi, 21-year-old Jyoti Singh is already making waves in Indian hockey. The youngster has already shown her credentials in her brief career so far, captaining India at the FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup City of Santiago 2025. She also made her senior debut last year, featuring in four matches of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 (Women), including a remarkable win against World No. 1, the Netherlands, a performance that highlighted her readiness for the biggest stage.
Semi-Final Drama Sets Up Blockbuster A Section Finals
The 2026 South African Indoor Hockey IPT, powered by SPAR & Tops at SPAR, moved firmly into knockout territory on Friday as the A Section semi-finals delivered intensity, composure under pressure and defining moments that have now set up two blockbuster finals.
Southern Gauteng, Western Province set up 2026 SA Indoor Hockey IPT finals showdown
Rowan Callaghan
Western Province edged WP Peninsular 4-3 in the semifinal of the 2026 SA Indoor Hockey IPT on Friday, setting up a clash against defending champions Southern Gauteng in the final Image: Ray Chaplin
Defending champions Southern Gauteng thrashed hosts KZN Raiders 10-5 on Friday to book their place in the men’s A Section final of the 2026 South African Indoor Hockey IPT in Durban. They will face Western Province, who edged WP Peninsular 4-3 in a tense semi-final at UKZN Westville Campus.
Marc Recasens leaves Rotterdam
Peter Klanke
Marc Recasens is leaving Rotterdam for KHC Dragons of Belgium. The Spanish international is in his second season with the Rotterdammers.
Oranje-Rood gets Belgian international Foubert
Peter Klanke
Victor Foubert Oranje Rood
Oranje-Rood has strengthened its squad with Victor Foubert. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder signs for two seasons and comes over from KHC Dragons.
Rémi Talma successor Matias Vila at Tilburg
Peter Klanke
Tilburg have found a successor to departing women's coach Matias Vila. Frenchman Rémi Talma will join with immediate effect and has committed to the number 11 of the Tulp Hoofdklasse for a year and a half.
Van loon joins Den Bosch as Hoofdklasse returns
On the eve of the Hoofdklasse’s return from its winter break, HC ’s-Hertogenbosch have made an eye-catching signing for next season with Isis van Loon set to join from HGC.
Isis van Loon makes switch to Den Bosch
Peter Klanke
Isis van Loon will make the switch to Den Bosch next season. The 23-year-old striker comes over from HGC.
Yara Akkerman makes switch to Amsterdam
Peter Klanke
Yara Akkerman Amsterdam
Yara Akkerman will defend Amsterdam's colours from next season. The 16-year-old talent makes the switch from HDM.
Isabel Boere to Bloemendaal
Peter Klanke
Isabel Boere
Bloemendaal will strengthen its squad next season with defender Isabel Boere. The junior international studied and played hockey in America for the past year, while before that she spent her entire youth playing for Klein Zwitserland.
Hurley signs New Zealand's Olivia Shannon
Peter Klanke
Photo Credit: Hockey New Zealand
The first women's transfer of the new season has been announced. Remarkably, it is not a top club, but mid-major Hurley who are the first to present a reinforcement.
Hockey Ireland strikes major new 3-year sponsorship as EY assumes primary front of shirt placement across Ireland Senior Women’s and Senior Men’s hockey teams.
Friday 27 February 2026
Malaysia battle to a stalemate with Japan
By Aftar Singh
Malaysia (in yellow) in action against Japan in Ismailia, Egypt yesterday. -- Pic from MHC
KUALA LUMPUR: The national men's hockey team drew 2-2 against Japan in a friendly match at the Suez Canal Sports Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt yesterday.
Scotland men set to begin World Cup qualification journey
The Scotland Men’s National Hockey Team kick starts its FIH World Cup Qualification campaign on Sunday with a pool match against France in Santiago, Chile. The Blue Sticks are on a quest to become the first ever men’s team to qualify for the World Cup.
Hockey World Cup qualifiers - all you need to know
By Nigel Ringland
Ireland and England faced each other in the Pro League in December. Image source, Getty Images
The FIH Hockey World Cup qualifiers mark the final stage of the journey to the 2026 Hockey World Cup which will be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from 15-30 August.
How to follow the World Cup Qualifiers
Support team Canada in Santiago March 1-8
The 2026 FIH Women’s and Men’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers are taking place in Santiago, Chile from March 1 to March 8, 2026. The teams that make the finals will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup as will the winner of the bronze medal match. After that, the highest world ranked 4th place team (between the qualifying events) after the final day of the qualifiers, will also qualify for the World Cup.
Women’s squad ready for World Cup Qualifiers
A 20-strong women’s squad has been named for the World Cup Qualifiers that will start their campaign on 8 March 2026 in Hyderabad, India.
Uruguay Women’s Hockey Team Arrives in Hyderabad for FIH World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Hyderabad, Telangana
Hyderabad, February 26, 2026: The Uruguay women’s national hockey team, known as the Cimarronas, has officially arrived in Hyderabad for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Hyderabad, Telangana. Scheduled from March 8 to 14, this highly anticipated eight-nation tournament will determine three crucial berths for the global showpiece in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Day Two Concludes with Semi-Final Line-Up Confirmed
Day Two of the 2026 South African Indoor Hockey IPT, powered by SPAR & Tops at SPAR, delivered statement wins, dominant set-piece displays and decisive momentum shifts as the semi-final line-ups across all sections were confirmed.
3rd COAS Inter-Club Hockey league stage concludes
LAHORE: The league stage of the 3rd Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Inter-Club Hockey Championship has officially concluded at the Defense Arena, Lahore, with four teams—Lahore, Faisalabad, Bannu, and Peshawar—qualifying for the semi-final round.
Dutch hockey faces structural shift: Saturday no longer default match day
A modern new hockey clubhouse in Amsterdam PIC: Xenios HC
The traditional Saturday scheduled match is no longer assumed to be the default for Duch hockey as the sport adapts to changing participant behaviour across the country, senior sport figures warned recently.
Tauqeer Dar: Most Suitable Person for Pakistan Hockey`s Revival
Pakistan has the potential to excel in every field.
By Ijaz Chaudhry
The prime requirement is Right Person for the Right Job
Pakistan's national game is Hockey. Also, the sport which has given us three golds and three silvers at the Olympics. Unfortunately, Pakistan hockey has hit rock bottom. Pakistan has failed to qualify for the last three Olympics.
There is one person who can reinvigorate Pakistan hockey and bring back the past glories.
What are the Foremost Requirements?
-Revitalising hockey at the Grassroots
-Getting Sponsorship
-Arranging Foreign Tours
-Bringing Foreign Teams
Tauqeer Dar (Olympic gold medallist 1984) has the Proven Credentials - Ticks all the Boxes
-He is running the Best Academy in Pakistan, Dar Hockey Academy which is a conveyer belt of talent; providing players to the national teams. Dar Academy boys have been regularly featuring in Pakistan's national and age group teams for the last 10 years
-Arranging Foreign Tours for his academy to top hockey nations: Six tours of Europe in the last 12 years: Holland, Belgium and Germany. Also tours to India & Malaysia.
-All through Sponsorship arranged by his own efforts; not a single penny from the government or federation
-In 2012, when terrorism was at its peak, he arranged a tour of Flying Dutch Veterans to Pakistan. The Dutch team was studded with Olympic & World Cup medallists. The team played three matches in Lahore including two matches at the Johar Town stadium watched by thousands of spectators.
Easily the most suitable person to turn Pakistan hockey’s fortunes around.
If Tauqeer is appointed the Secretary General of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, he can bring big business tycoons to sponsor hockey in the country. He can turn the PHF into a corporate body. Pakistan hockey will not be dependent on the government for any financial assistance and will also again see the international achievements of the past.
The following two videos give a good insight into the work & achievements of the Hockey Academy:
Dar Hockey Academy - A Great Success Story
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjAcFKWjRI0&t=331s
Dar Hockey Academy (Pakistan) Tour of Europe 2019
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TDyMDqK0Gk&t=32s
Ijaz...Ijaz Chaudhry writes on hockey & other sports. For more about him & his work, visit http://www.sportscorrespondent.info