Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Netherlands Defend Title, Belgium Seeks Maiden Hockey World Cup Crown
The FIH Women's Hockey World Cup is a big tournament where countries compete to find out which team is the best in field hockey.
The 2026 tournament starts on Saturday, August 15.
Sixteen teams from around the world are playing, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, Japan, Argentina, Germany, India, and the United States.
The teams are split into four groups, and after many games the best teams reach the semi-finals.
The Netherlands won the last World Cup in 2022 and have won nine titles in total — more than any other country.
Argentina, Australia, and Germany are also strong teams that have each won the trophy twice.
The Netherlands are trying to win a record 10th title.
Belgium is one of the host countries and has never won the World Cup, so they hope to win it for the first time at home.
The final match is on Saturday, August 29.
Games will be played at two stadiums: one in Wavre, Belgium, and one in Amstelveen, the Netherlands.
The 16th FIH Women's Hockey World Cup begins Saturday, August 15, 2026, with Australia taking on Japan in the opening match.
Defending champions the Netherlands — the most successful team with nine titles — seek a record-extending 10th crown after winning the 2022 edition in Terrassa, Spain.
Co-hosts Belgium aim to claim their maiden World Cup title on home soil.
Sixteen teams are divided into four pools of four, with the top two from each pool advancing to the second stage.
Matches are played at Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium, and Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, with the final on August 29.
- Who
- 16 national women's hockey teams, including defending champions the Netherlands, co-hosts Belgium, and historical powers Argentina, Australia, and Germany
- What
- The 16th FIH Women's Hockey World Cup
- When
- August 15–29, 2026
- Where
- Wavre, Belgium (Belfius Hockey Arena) and Amstelveen, the Netherlands (Wagener Stadium)
- Why
- To determine the women's world hockey champion; the Netherlands aim to defend the 2022 title with a record 10th crown, while Belgium seek a first title at home.
- Edition
- 16th
- Start date
- August 15, 2026
- Final date
- August 29, 2026
- Teams
- 16 teams in four pools of four
- Defending champions
- Netherlands (won 2022 in Terrassa)
- Record titles
- Netherlands (9)
- Venues
- Belfius Hockey Arena (Wavre, Belgium) and Wagener Stadium (Amstelveen, Netherlands)
- Opening match
- Australia vs Japan (August 15, Wagener Stadium)