What is the qualification system for the LA28 Olympic hockey tournaments?
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Synopsis
The IOC has officially approved the qualification system for the upcoming LA28 Olympic hockey tournaments, paving the way for teams to secure their spots in this prestigious event. With a mix of Pro League placements and continental championships, the path to participation is set, ensuring thrilling competition in 2028.
Key Takeaways
- 12 teams per gender will compete in LA28.
- Qualification through FIH Pro League and Continental Championships.
- Olympic Qualification Tournaments will finalize the teams.
- Carson Fields will be transformed into a state-of-the-art venue.
- Hockey has been an Olympic sport since 1908.
Lausanne (Switzerland), Dec 11 (NationPress) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has sanctioned the qualification framework for both the women’s and men’s hockey competitions at the forthcoming Olympic Games scheduled to occur in Los Angeles, USA, in 2028. This marks a significant step in the preparations for the next Olympic event.
Continuing the tradition established since the Beijing Olympics in 2008, a total of 12 teams per gender will compete in this prestigious quadrennial event, which will include the host nation, the USA.
The remaining 11 teams for each gender will emerge from the FIH Pro League, the Continental Championships, and a set number of Olympic Qualification Tournaments, as announced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Thursday.
The top-ranked nation in the FIH Hockey Pro League Seasons 2025-26 and 2026-27 will secure a spot for LA28. If a team wins the 2025-26 Season and also claims victory in the 2026-27 Season, the runner-up of the 2026-27 Season will earn qualification.
The leading team in each of the five Continental Championships that has not already qualified either as the host or through the FIH Hockey Pro League will gain direct entry. If nations qualifying through the FIH Hockey Pro League are the top teams in their continental championships, the next highest placed nation in those championships will qualify instead.
The Continental Championships include the African Hockey Road to LA28 (scheduled in 2027), the 20th Pan American Games (scheduled in 2027), the 20th Asian Games (scheduled in 2026), the EuroHockey Championship (scheduled in 2027), and the Oceania Cup (scheduled in 2027).
If the USA secures victory at the 20th Pan American Games in 2027, the second-placed nation will not qualify; instead, that quota will be allocated through the FIH Olympic Qualification Tournaments.
There will be a total of four FIH Olympic Qualification Tournaments — two for each gender — featuring eight teams each, to be held in early 2028, with the top two teams from each tournament qualifying, thereby finalizing the roster of participating teams.
Located just outside downtown Los Angeles, Carson Fields, adjacent to the renowned venue that houses the LA Galaxy football team, will be converted into a cutting-edge hockey venue, ready to host exhilarating matches, dynamic fan experiences, and moments that will define the next chapter of Olympic hockey.
Hockey has been part of the Olympic Games since 1908. The Netherlands clinched both gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. India holds the record as the most successful nation in field hockey at the Olympic Games, with a total of eight gold medals, six of which were won consecutively.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the significance of the IOC's decision regarding the LA28 hockey tournaments. This qualification system not only ensures a competitive field but also reflects the growing enthusiasm for hockey globally. We stand ready to support our national teams as they prepare for this momentous occasion.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams will participate in the LA28 hockey tournaments?
A total of 12 teams per gender will participate in the LA28 Olympic hockey tournaments, including the host nation, the USA.
What are the pathways for qualification?
Teams can qualify through the FIH Pro League, Continental Championships, and Olympic Qualification Tournaments.
When will the Olympic Qualification Tournaments take place?
The Olympic Qualification Tournaments are scheduled for early 2028.
How has the qualification process changed since previous Olympics?
The qualification process follows the same structure established since the Beijing Olympics in 2008, maintaining 12 teams per gender.
Where will the hockey events be held?
The hockey events will take place at Carson Fields, located just outside downtown Los Angeles.
