FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2025-26: India and Others Set to Compete
Synopsis
The FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2025-26 is around the corner, with India set to compete in Auckland, New Zealand. This thrilling tournament promises to showcase top talent and offers teams a shot at joining the prestigious FIH Hockey Pro League.
Key Takeaways
FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2025-26 will be hosted by New Zealand and South Africa.
The men's and women's tournaments are scheduled for June 2026.
Top teams will compete for a chance to join the FIH Hockey Pro League .
India will be among the participants in the women's tournament.
The competition aims to elevate hockey on a global scale.
New Delhi, March 16 (NationPress) The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has officially revealed that both New Zealand and South Africa will serve as the hosts for the fourth edition of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup for women and men, respectively. The victorious teams will be granted a chance to join the 2026-27 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League.
The men's competition will take place in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa, featuring elite teams from around the globe, including South Africa, New Zealand, France, Korea, Japan, Wales, Malaysia, alongside Scotland—who earned promotion through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2—and Ireland, who faced relegation from the 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League season.
FIH president Tayyab Ikram expressed his gratitude, stating, “On behalf of FIH, I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Hockey Associations of New Zealand and South Africa. We are thrilled to have two exceptional host nations and cities for these outstanding tournaments. I look forward to the exhilarating matches and the fantastic atmosphere that will unfold across two continents as some of the world's premier men’s and women’s teams display their skills for hockey enthusiasts worldwide.”
The 2025-26 edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup is scheduled from June 11 to June 20, 2026, marking a significant return of the event to South Africa, which previously hosted the inaugural men's edition in Potchefstroom in 2022.
Meanwhile, the women's tournament is set to occur in Auckland, New Zealand, from June 15 to June 21, 2026. This competition boasts an impressive roster, including hosts New Zealand, the USA, Japan, Korea, Chile, Scotland, along with France—who achieved promotion through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2—and India, who faced relegation from the 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League season.
Launched in 2021, the FIH Hockey Nations Cup aims to provide a high-level competition for the top-ranked teams not involved in the FIH Hockey Pro League, allowing the winning team the opportunity for promotion in the subsequent season.
Thus far, India, Spain, and New Zealand have clinched victories in the first three editions of the women’s tournament. On the men's side, South Africa won the inaugural event, followed by consecutive triumphs for the New Zealand men's team.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the significance of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup for participating nations like India. This tournament not only provides a competitive platform but also an opportunity for teams to elevate their status in international hockey, fostering growth and enthusiasm in the sport.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FIH Hockey Nations Cup?
The FIH Hockey Nations Cup is an international tournament launched in 2021 for top-ranked teams not participating in the FIH Hockey Pro League, allowing for promotion to the Pro League for the winning team.
When will the 2025-26 FIH Hockey Nations Cup take place?
The men's tournament will occur from June 11 to June 20, 2026, in South Africa, while the women's tournament is scheduled for June 15 to June 21, 2026, in New Zealand.
Which teams will participate in the women's tournament?
The women's tournament will feature teams including New Zealand, the USA, Japan, Korea, Chile, Scotland, France, and India.
What is the historical context of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup?
The tournament was established to provide an elite competition for teams outside the Pro League, with the chance for the winner to be promoted the following season.
Who has won previous editions of the women's FIH Hockey Nations Cup?
India, Spain, and New Zealand have won the first three editions of the women's competition.
