Every four years, the Hockey World Cup delivers the moments that can define careers. Last minute winners. Packed stadiums. Nations united behind one match-winning goal. It’s time to ride that wave yet again.
From 15th to 30th August, the world's greatest players head to Belgium and the Netherlands for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, where sixteen men's and sixteen women's nations will compete for the sport's ultimate prize under one fitting slogan: Together for Glory. With more than 60 Grays Hockey athletes confirmed so far, they will take to the pitch backed with the latest Grays Hockey sticks, Grays Hockey shoes and match day essential equipment, showcasing elite performance on hockey's biggest stage.
Whether you're travelling to Amsterdam or Wavre, or following every match from home, here's everything you need to know before the first whistle.
1. When And Where Is The Hockey World Cup 2026?
For the first time in the event’s history, the FIH World Cup 20206 will be staged jointly across two stadiums: the iconic Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, and the brand-new Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, just outside Brussels. Both the men's and women's tournaments will run side by side, in the same venues, on the same dates – a first for the World Cup and a nod to the growing parity between the men's and women's games.
England's campaigns get under way early. The men, led by Grays Hockey’s own Zach Wallace (shop Zach’s Limited Edition ZW7 Hockey Stick Here), open against Pakistan at the Wagener Stadium on Saturday 15th August, while the women, led by Grays Hockey’s Lily Walker (shop Lily’s go to PB10 stick and Aerocage XW10 shoes here), begin their tournament against South Africa at the same venue the following day, Sunday 16th August. From there, it's a fortnight of pool matches, knockouts, plenty of celebrating, and no doubt a heap of drama...
2. Two Nations, One World Cup: Meet The Hosts
This edition of the World Cup belongs to two international hockey powerhouses. The Netherlands need no introduction – Wagener Stadium has hosted some of the biggest nights in the sport's history, and the Dutch arrive as reigning women's world champions after their win in 2022. Belgium, meanwhile, are hosting a World Cup on home soil for the very first time, with the new Belfius Hockey Arena built specifically as a legacy venue for the tournament and for Belgian hockey. Can they get back to a level of global dominance they so famously created a decade ago? Time will tell.
Both nations go into their home World Cup among the genuine favourites. Belgium's men head into the tournament at the top of the world rankings, with the Netherlands right behind them, while Argentina, and of course Germany (the reigning men's world champions), will also fancy their chances of gatecrashing the host nations' party. It promises to be an electric atmosphere in both stadiums, with fan zones, live entertainment and food festivals running throughout the tournament alongside the hockey itself.
3. Form Guide: Who Goes In As Favourites?
It's been a huge year of hockey already, with the FIH Hockey Pro League and Nations Cups reshuffling the world rankings ahead of the World Cup. Let’s briefly break it down.
Men's: Belgium head into their home tournament as the new world number one after a dominant Pro League campaign, with the Netherlands, Argentina and Germany all firmly in the mix for the title. England have enjoyed one of their best years in a while too, climbing well inside the world's top ten under captains Zach Wallace and Conor Williamson, and will be aiming to build on the momentum gained after finishing 2nd in the final 2025/2026 Pro League table.
Women's: The Netherlands remain the benchmark, sitting clear at the top of the world rankings, with Argentina, Belgium, China and Spain making up a hugely competitive top five. England, co-captained by Lily Walker, have been steadily climbing too, moving up into the world's top six – could this be the platform they need to build from as they open against South Africa? We’ll find out.
4. Grays Hockey's Strong Contingent Of Players
If there's one thing we're most excited about heading into this World Cup, it's just how many Grays Hockey players will be out on the pitch representing their countries. Squad announcements are still rolling out from national federations across the summer, but we can already talk with confidence about a fantastic group of over 60 Grays Hockey athletes who've been named in their nation's World Cup squads.
Closer to home, England's confirmed squad is a strong one. Zach Wallace captains the men's side, lining up alongside Conor Williamson, Will Calnan and Henry Croft, while the women's team boasts Lily Walker as co-captain, joined by Fiona Crackles, Grace Balsdon, Tess Howard and Holly Hunt. Further afield, confirmed Grays Hockey players are also flying the flag for Argentina with Thomas Domene, Lucas Toscani, Facu Zarate, Martin Ferreiro & legendary midfielder Vicky Sauze. Australia back 6 Grays Hockey athletes, whilst Germany, New Zealand, Scotland and the USA also fill their squads with our elite international players.
Host’s Belgium have continued their backing in Victor Wegnez and Delphine Marien, whilst upcoming generational talent Hugo Labouchere will be with the squad as a reserve. Derck de Vilder and Steijn van Heijningen yet again get the nod to lead the Dutch midfield for the home nations on the men's side, with Lisa Post and Fay van der Elst likely to make the cut. Where does that leave us? Well, expect plenty of Grays Hockey sticks in action for the home crowds in Amstelveen and Wavre!
That's a huge spread of talent trusting Grays Hockey’s elite equipment at the very top level of the game, from established stars to exciting young talent making their World Cup debuts. It's no surprise, as we explored when Henry Croft signed his long-term deal with Grays, or when we looked at the England internationals backing our range, Grays Hockey sticks and shoes are built to perform on the very biggest stages, and this World Cup will be no different.
Keen to play like your favourites? Zach Wallace's signature ZW7 and Henry Croft's JB10 are both available now, alongside the rest of our 26/27 Grays Hockey Stick Range.
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5. Catch The Grays Hockey Stands In Amsterdam And Wavre
If you're lucky enough to be heading to Amstelveen or Wavre for the World Cup in person, make sure you swing by the Grays Hockey retail stands at both venues. Our team will be on-site throughout the tournament with the latest Grays Hockey sticks, shoes, protection and teamwear. We’ll also be selling some bargains from previous seasons and the Grays Hockey Outlet section, so don’t miss out on an old favourite! So you can pick up your kit, grab some official merchandise and soak up the World Cup atmosphere in person. It's the perfect chance to see the elite equipment our players are using up close before you head into the stands to cheer them on!
6. Get Tournament-Ready With Grays Hockey
With a World Cup like this on the horizon, there's never been a better time to check your own kit bag is up to scratch ahead of the upcoming season. Whether you're after a new Grays Hockey stick, fresh Grays Hockey shoes, our globally renowned protection or you're kitting out your whole club with our dedicated teamwear service, now's the time to get sorted before the World Cup buzz has you itching to get out on the pitch yourself.
Keep an eye on the Grays Hockey blog throughout August as we'll be following our players' progress every step of the way – from opening matches through to (fingers crossed) the medal matches in Amstelveen and Wavre. Here's to a brilliant Hockey World Cup 2026! Let’s go.
