Belgium and Netherlands to Host the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup

The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup is set to be hosted jointly by Belgium and the Netherlands , bringing together the world’s top men’s and women’s teams in a unique dual-host and dual-tournament format . Scheduled from 15 to 30 August 2026 , the event marks the first time Belgium will host the World Cup and the third time the men’s and women’s tournaments will run concurrently.

Dual Venues: Wavre and Amsterdam

Matches will be held across two major venues:

• Belfius Hockey Arena, Wavre (Belgium)

• Wagener Stadium, Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Both nations, known for their strong hockey culture and passionate fan bases, will host their national teams during the initial stages. This joint setup aims to maximise crowd engagement and streamline tournament operations.

Revised Competition Format

A new tournament structure will debut in 2026. Sixteen men’s teams and sixteen women’s teams will begin in four initial pools .

• The top two teams in each pool will advance to a second group stage , carrying forward their earlier match result against the same opponent.

• This stage will determine the semi-finalists and classification standings from 5th place onward.

• Teams finishing in the lower half after the first round will play in alternate groups to determine rankings.

   

Qualification and Tournament Build-Up

Half of the participating teams have already secured qualification, including host nations Belgium and the Netherlands. Remaining slots will be filled through continental championships and 2026 play-offs . The official tournament draw is scheduled for March 2026 .

ParaHockey Makes Its Debut

The 2026 edition will also feature the inaugural FIH ParaHockey World Cup , held in the same arenas. This inclusion underscores the sport’s growing commitment to diversity, accessibility and inclusive global participation .

Exam Points

• Joint hosts: Belgium & Netherlands .

• Dates: 15–30 August 2026 .

• Venues: Belfius Hockey Arena (Wavre) & Wagener Stadium (Amsterdam) .

• 16 teams per gender ; new dual-group format .

• Men’s final → Wavre ; Women’s final → Amsterdam .

• First-ever FIH ParaHockey World Cup will be held alongside.