Grays Hockey Stars Shine at the World Cup Qualifiers

The road to this summer’s 2026 Hockey World Cup has seen the final spots for the tournament being contested across three iconic locations: Santiago, Ismailia, and Hyderabad. Across every venue, travelling hockey fans were not short on entertainment. As always, Grays Hockey athletes were ever-present throughout the tournament, all delivering on the biggest stage when it matters most.  

From captains leading their nations to rising stars making their mark, Grays players dominated the qualifiers with their Grays Hockey 25/26 hockey sticks in hand.  

Here’s how the action unfolded. 

1. Santiago Men’s World Cup Qualifiers: Grays Hockey Stars Power Ireland, France and Wales to Success 

The Chilean capital hosted both men’s and women’s qualifying tournaments, delivering passionate crowds and high-intensity hockey throughout the week. 

Ireland secured the tournament crown with a dramatic 2–1 victory over France in the final, in which the famous ‘Green Machine’ squad featured a strong Grays Hockey core, with Johnny McKee, Louis Rowe, Kyle Marshall, Sam Hyland, Peter McKibbin and Fergus Gibson all playing pivotal roles throughout the competition.  

From relentless midfield pressing to prolific finishing in the circle, the Irish side showed why they remain one of the most exciting teams in world hockey, and just why so many of their players back the Grays Hockey 25/26 hockey stick range at the highest level. 

France also booked their ticket to the World Cup with a second-place finish, led by the dynamic attacking play of Matteo Desgouillons and Benjamin Marque, whose pace and skill down the flanks of the French side consistently stretched defences – both using the Grays Hockey JB Range to aid their creative skillset.  

Meanwhile, Wales secured the final qualifying position in third place following a nail-biting 2-1 victory over Poland - which saw players and fans burst into passionate celebrations. Grays Hockey athlete Fred Newbold yet again showcased the world just why his trademark creativity through midfield is catching the eye more than ever, as he also bagged a brace of drag flicks in a thrilling 5-0 win over Scotland – backed by the JB9.  

2. Santiago Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Host's Chile Impress - Australia and Ireland Book Their Tickets  

In the women’s competition, hosts Chile delighted their home fans by defying the odds as they emphatically went on to lift the trophy after several highly impressive performances. 

Australia finished runners-up, with Grays Hockey athlete Claire Colwill delivering a series of standout performances across the backline, with the Grays Hockey JB hockey stick in hand. 

Ireland’s women put recent tournament pain behind them as they secured qualification in dramatic fashion. After their bronze-medal match against Japan went to a tense shootout, Grays Hockey athlete Hannah McLoughlin stepped up to score a crucial goal and seal a 3–1 shootout victory. The result sent Hannah and fellow Grays athletes Mia Jennings, Jessie McMaster and Lisa Mulcahy through to the World Cup – who all trust the Grays Hockey JB range in these most important moments of their careers. 

3. Ismailia World Cup Qualifiers: England Dominate as Zach Wallace Celebrates 150 Caps, Pakistan Return To The World Cup 

Over in Ismailia, Egypt, the men’s qualifying tournament delivered some of the most attacking hockey of the year. 

England laid down the marker and controlled the tournament from the opening match, culminating in a 4–1 win over Pakistan in the final to seal the tournament title – a valiant display in the moment, but a strong message to the nations waiting to face them in the summer...  

Leading the charge was England captain, and Grays Hockey athlete Zach Wallace, who celebrated his 150th international cap during the competition. Playing with his signature Grays Hockey ZW7 JB hockey stick, Zach dictated the tempo of games with explosive pace, close control, and his trademark ability to glide through defensive lines. Alongside him, forward Will Calnan and central defender Conor Williamson played key roles in England’s clinical performances as they secured qualification in frightening style. 

It was also a landmark tournament for Pakistan, who qualified for their first World Cup in eight years. Captain Ammad Butt inspired his team with leadership and determination, while rising star Sufyan Khan continued his rapid rise to the top of the sport scoring six goals across the tournament, including a crucial semi-final strike against Japan. 

With Arshad Liaqat and Rana Waleed also finding the net, Pakistan’s next generation of Grays Hockey talent showed they are ready to compete with the world’s best. 

Japan secured the final qualifying spot with a third-place finish, with several Grays Hockey athletes putting in relentless shifts to get their team over the line – a testament to their character as their performances . Kosei Kawabeand, Seren Tanaka. 

4. Hyderabad World Cup Qualifiers: Grays Athletes Lead England and Scotland to Unforgettable Success 

The final stage of qualification took place in Hyderabad, India, where the women’s tournament delivered thrilling, yet several high-pressured hockey matches under the lights of the GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground. 

For England, Grace Balsdon once again proved why she is one of the most dangerous players in the game at penalty corners. Her power and precision when executing drag flicks with the Grays Hockey JB10 hockey stick, played a decisive role in England’s unbeaten run to claiming 1st place. Grace was supported by a strong Grays Hockey contingent including Fiona Crackles, Becky Manton, captain Lily Walker and Holly Hunt - whose collective energy and skill helped England handle the pressure and secure their World Cup ticket. 

Scotland are probably still out celebrating somewhere, as they cliched third place to qualify for their first World Cup since 2002 – they certainly brought the party!  

Scotland captain Sarah Robertson delivered a series of big performances throughout the tournament with her ever-popular Grays Hockey DB10 in hand, Robertson dictated the tempo of matches with elite composure and tactical nuance. 

Sarah was supported by a determined Scottish squad including Grays Hockey athletes Charlotte Watson, Heather McEwan, Sarah Jamieson, Millie Steiger and Connie Roxburgh, who all put in relentless work rates that ensured Scotland secured qualification and reinforced their reputation as one of the toughest teams in international hockey. 

5. Grays Hockey Athletes, Set for the World Cup

With the final whistle in Hyderabad, the 2026 Hockey World Cup lineup is now complete. 

For Grays Hockey, the qualifiers have been a powerful showcase of the athletes who trust our equipment on the world stage. Across Chile, Egypt, and India, Grays Hockey was represented by players that demonstrated the skill, leadership, and determination that define elite hockey. 

From captains lifting trophies to players stepping up in decisive shootouts, the qualifiers have set the stage for what promises to be an incredible World Cup.