~ As we count down to the highly anticipated FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, we take a closer look at the competing men's and women's teams ready to battle for global supremacy. In this special preview series, we profile each nation's journey to the tournament, examining their road to qualification, historic achievements, key players to watch, and the tactical minds leading them into the ultimate hockey showcase. In today’s story we take a look at the Scottish women’s team, ranked #14 in the world.
"VAN" (Sports Desk - 11.08.2026) :: Returning to the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup for the first time in 24 years, Scotland will be determined to show they belong on the sport’s biggest stage. Their place at the tournament was secured with an outstanding unbeaten run through the pool phase of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier in Hyderabad (IND). Victories over Wales (1-0) and Uruguay (3-1), either side of a thrilling 2-2 draw with hosts India, saw Scotland progress to the semi-finals.
Although they were beaten 2-0 by neighbours and fierce rivals England in the last four, Scotland responded brilliantly in the third-place play-off. Amy Costello’s decisive goal secured a 1-0 victory over Italy, booking Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since the 2002 tournament in Perth (AUS).
Costello is one of six members of Scotland’s Hyderabad squad who have also represented Great Britain, alongside captain Sarah Robertson, Charlotte Watson, Jenifer Eadie, Fiona Burnet and goalkeeper Jessica Buchanan. Costello, Robertson and Watson all competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, while Robertson was also part of the Great Britain team that won bronze at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics in 2021.
Scotland also impressed at the 2025 EuroHockey Championship in Mönchengladbach (GER). Having earned a superb 1-1 draw against Spain, wins against Ireland and France sealed sixth place finish.
How they qualified: 3rd place - 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers, Hyderabad (IND)
Notable honours: 5th place – EuroHockey Championship (1991), 5x 6th place – EuroHockey Championship (1984, 1987, 1995, 1999, 2025), 4x 6th place – Commonwealth Games (2002, 2006, 2014, 2022)
Rank in previous WC editions: 1983 – 8th, 1986 – 10th, 1998 – 10th, 2002 – 12th
Head coach: Chris Duncan. After serving as assistant coach for almost three years, Chris Duncan took charge on an interim basis in 2021 following the departure of former South Africa international Jen Wilson. His success in the role earned him a permanent appointment from 1 January 2022, and he has since guided Scotland to their first FIH Hockey World Cup in 24 years.
Quote: Sarah Robertson: "This is the highest level anyone in a Scottish hockey shirt can play at, so we know the challenge ahead and the opportunity it brings. We have put in so much hard work to qualify and then again to raise our game for the World Cup. We have a great culture in this team and we are going to enjoy every minute together creating history."
One to watch: Sarah Robertson. A leader on and off the pitch, Scotland captain Robertson brings a wealth of experience to a talented young squad. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medallist has enjoyed an international career spanning more than 14 years and is a caps centurion for both Scotland and Great Britain, making a combined 238 international appearances since her debut in September 2012 (at the time of writing).
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