Exciting Draw Ceremony Sets Stage for FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Draw Ceremony Highlights
Today, a significant draw ceremony took place at the renowned Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands, which is one of the two venues for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup. The other venue is the newly constructed Belfius Hockey Arena located in Wavre, Belgium. This event established the eight pools for the group stage of the tournament scheduled for 2026.
Group Stage Pools Announced
The draw was conducted by hockey legends Naomie van As, Barbara Neelen, and Teun de Nooijer, alongside DJ La Fuente, who was introduced as the Dutch Ambassador for the World Cup during the event.
The World Cup 2026 Groupings
Women:
- Pool A: Netherlands, Australia, Chile, Japan (playing in the Netherlands)
- Pool B: Argentina, Germany, USA, Scotland (playing in Belgium)
- Pool C: Belgium, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland (playing in Belgium)
- Pool D: China, England, India, South Africa (playing in the Netherlands)
Men:
- Pool A: Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan (playing in the Netherlands)
- Pool B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia (playing in Belgium)
- Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa (playing in Belgium)
- Pool D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales (playing in the Netherlands)
Notable Attendees
The ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including FIH President Tayyab Ikram, FIH Vice-President and EuroHockey President Marcos Hofman, and FIH Executive Board Member Erik Cornelissen. Additionally, the presidents of the Dutch and Belgian Hockey Federations, Erik Klein Nagelvoort and Patrick Keusters respectively, were present, along with team captains and head coaches from both nations.
FIH President's Remarks
Tayyab Ikram expressed, "Today's draw signifies a crucial milestone leading up to the prestigious FIH Hockey World Cup. The upcoming tournament, co-hosted by two hockey giants, is set to be a remarkable success. We extend our gratitude to Belgium and the Netherlands for welcoming our elite athletes and the global hockey community in just under six months."
He further emphasized the role of sports in uniting people, stating, "In a world often divided by conflict, events like this can foster peace. I encourage fans worldwide to participate and wish all athletes an unforgettable experience."
Upcoming Match Schedule
The FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026 is scheduled to take place from August 15 to 30, 2026, in Amsterdam and Wavre. The complete match schedule will be revealed tomorrow, March 18.
Mascots Unveiled
Additionally, two vibrant mascots were introduced, embodying the spirit of hockey through joy, teamwork, and energy. These mascots, designed to resemble hockey balls, symbolize the unifying nature of the sport. A campaign will soon invite fans to suggest names for these mascots.