Uruguay Women's Hockey Team Arrives in Hyderabad for World Cup Qualifiers

The Uruguay women's national hockey team, known as the Cimarronas, has arrived in Hyderabad for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. This tournament, taking place from March 8 to 14, will see eight teams compete for three spots in the World Cup. Led by Captain Belen Barreiro, Uruguay is determined to secure their first-ever World Cup appearance, following a successful year in hockey. Their journey begins with a match against India, followed by games against Wales and Scotland. Discover more about their preparations and tournament details.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 26, 2026, 19:20 IST

Uruguay's Historic Quest Begins

The Uruguay women's national hockey team, affectionately known as the Cimarronas, has landed in Hyderabad in preparation for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. This exciting tournament, set to take place from March 8 to 14, will feature eight nations vying for three coveted spots in the World Cup, which will be hosted in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Aiming for Their First World Cup Appearance

Uruguay is on the verge of making history as they strive for their inaugural World Cup participation. Under the leadership of Captain Belen Barreiro, the team approaches the qualifiers with a strong sense of determination and a focus on daily progress. Their recent achievements, including a second-place finish at the inaugural FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 and a remarkable medal run at the Pan American Cup 2025, have provided them with valuable experience and momentum.

Captain's Statement

Captain Belen Barreiro expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to be in Hyderabad for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Our preparations have been ongoing since last year, and we have engaged in rigorous training sessions recently. We are committed to giving our all in this tournament."

Tournament Format and Matches

To realize their World Cup aspirations, Uruguay must navigate a challenging Pool B schedule. Their campaign kicks off with a highly anticipated match against the host nation, India, on March 8. Following this, they will compete against Wales on March 9 and wrap up the pool stage against Scotland on March 11.

The tournament will include eight teams: India, England, Scotland, Republic of Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria, all competing for three available World Cup spots. The top three teams from the qualifiers will secure their places in the World Cup, scheduled for August 15-30.