Groups Revealed for 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands

Official Draw Conducted in Amsterdam

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has officially conducted the draw for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. The ceremony, held in Amsterdam, determined the group compositions for the participating nations. The tournament is set to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, marking a significant collaboration between the two nations to bring the world's top hockey talent to European soil.

Tournament Structure and Hosting

The 2026 edition of the World Cup will see teams compete across venues in both host countries. As co-hosts, both Belgium and the Netherlands have been preparing their infrastructure to accommodate the high-profile event. The draw process followed standard FIH procedures to ensure a balanced distribution of teams across the pools based on world rankings and geographical considerations.

Key Details of the Competition

While the draw has finalized the initial matchups, teams are now shifting their focus to intensive training and tactical preparation. The tournament is expected to feature:

• 16 participating nations
• Matches spread across multiple cities in Belgium and the Netherlands
• A group stage followed by a knockout phase to determine the world champion

An FIH representative stated, 'The draw marks the beginning of the final countdown to what promises to be an exceptional celebration of hockey.'

Looking Ahead

With the groups now set, national federations are finalizing their logistical arrangements and squad selections. Fans and analysts are already evaluating the competitive landscape, noting that the group stage will feature several high-stakes encounters. The tournament is anticipated to draw significant international attention as the sport continues to grow in popularity globally.