Archive · 7 Dec 2025
FIH Rules Out Expanding Senior Hockey WC to 24 Teams
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has decided not to increase the number of teams in the senior men's Hockey World Cup from 16 to 24, unlike the ongoing junior event which has 24 teams.
The FIH president, Tayyab Ikram, explained that the performance gap between top teams and others is too large.
He mentioned that the junior World Cup is part of the sport's development process and a historical moment with 48 nations participating.
India has been a significant market for FIH, and the country will continue to host more hockey events.
The FIH is also focusing on gender equality, with 50% male and female umpires in 80% of the junior World Cup matches.
The feedback from the tournament has been positive, with a focus on bridging the performance gap and empowering emerging nations.
FIH decides against expanding the senior men's Hockey World Cup to 24 teams, citing a significant performance gap between top nations and others.
The ongoing junior World Cup features 24 teams in both men's and women's categories, marking a historical moment with 48 nations participating.
FIH president Tayyab Ikram emphasizes that the junior World Cup is part of the sport's development process and a landmark event.
India continues to be a major market for FIH, with plans to host more hockey events in the future.
The FIH is committed to gender equality, with 50% male and female umpires officiating 80% of the junior World Cup matches.
- Who
- International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram
- What
- Decision to not expand the senior men's Hockey World Cup to 24 teams
- When
- Announced on December 6, 2023
- Where
- Chennai, India
- Why
- Due to the significant performance gap between top nations and others, and the need to maintain a reasonable competitive level
- Current Senior World Cup Teams
- 16
- Junior World Cup Teams
- 24 (men's and women's)
- FIH President
- Tayyab Ikram
- Host Cities for Junior WC
- Chennai and Madurai
- Gender Equality Initiative
- 50% male and female umpires in 80% of matches
- FIH's Goal
- To bridge performance gap and empower emerging nations
