"VAN" (Sports Desk - 24.02.2026) :: As the countdown to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026 intensifies, Ismailia, Egypt is set to host one of hockey's most pivotal tournaments of the year — the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers — running from 1–7 March 2026.
Final Opportunity to Secure a World Cup Spot
With continental championships and FIH Hockey Pro League having already secured nine teams their spots, this event represents the final opportunity for the eight participating nations to earn their place at hockey’s flagship tournament later this year in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The tournament format splits the field into two pools of four teams, with the top two from each pool progressing to the semifinals. The winners of both semifinals — and the bronze medal match — will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup. Additionally, the highest world-ranked team finishing fourth across both men's qualifier events — Ismailia and Santiago — will also qualify.
Eight Teams, One Goal
The Men’s Qualifiers in Ismailia bring together a compelling and globally diverse line-up of teams:
Pool A: Egypt, England, Japan, USA
Pool B: Austria, China, Malaysia, Pakistan
This mix promises a fascinating blend of experienced powers and ambitious challengers, all vying for a spot on the world stage.
Match Action Begins
The battle for World Cup qualification kicks off on Sunday, 1 March 2026, with all matches played in local Egyptian time:
13:00 — Malaysia vs Austria
15:00 — Pakistan vs China
18:45 — England vs Japan
20:45 — Egypt vs United States
From 1-4 March the teams will contest in pool matches before progressing to classification stages and high-stakes semifinals. Following a rest day, the semi-finals will be played on 6 March followed by the bronze medal match and the final on 7 March, where at least three teams will guarantee their spot at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026!
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