New Zealand and South Africa to Host FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2026

The International Hockey Federation has announced that New Zealand and South Africa will host the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup. This prestigious tournament will feature top teams competing for a chance to join the FIH Hockey Pro League. The men's event will take place in Cape Town, while the women's tournament will be held in Auckland. With a rich history of competition, this edition promises thrilling matches and a showcase of talent from around the globe.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 14:41 IST

Exciting Announcement for Hockey Fans

New Delhi, March 16: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) revealed on Monday that New Zealand and South Africa will be the hosts for the upcoming fourth edition of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup for women and men, respectively. The champions of these tournaments will earn a spot in the 2026-27 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League.

The men's tournament is set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, featuring elite teams such as South Africa, New Zealand, France, Korea, Japan, Wales, Malaysia, and Scotland, who secured their place through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2. Ireland will also participate after being relegated from the 2024-25 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League.

FIH president Tayyab Ikram expressed gratitude to the Hockey Associations of both nations, stating, “We are thrilled to have two exceptional host countries and cities for these prestigious tournaments. I look forward to the exciting matches and vibrant atmosphere that will emerge across two continents as top teams display their skills for hockey enthusiasts worldwide.”

The 2025-26 FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup is scheduled from June 11 to 20, 2026, marking the return of the event to South Africa, which previously hosted the inaugural men's competition in Potchefstroom in 2022.

Meanwhile, the women's tournament will occur in Auckland, New Zealand, from June 15 to 21, 2026. The competition will feature the host nation, New Zealand, along with the USA, Japan, Korea, Chile, Scotland, and France, who were promoted through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2, as well as India, who faced relegation from the 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League.

Launched in 2021, the FIH Hockey Nations Cup aims to provide a high-level competition for top-ranked teams not involved in the FIH Hockey Pro League, allowing the winning team the chance to be promoted in the subsequent season.

To date, India, Spain, and New Zealand have claimed victory in the first three editions of the women's tournament, while South Africa won the inaugural men's edition, followed by consecutive wins for the New Zealand men's team.