2026 FIH : The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed that the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026 will take place in the Netherlands and Belgium. This news has been met with sadness by both England Hockey and Hockey Wales. At the same time, they will host the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup.
The England and Wales bid proposed hosting a Finals Weekend at Tottenham Hotspur’s iconic 62,850-seat stadium, with other pool and elimination matches taking place at Twickenham Stoop, cinch Stadium at Franklin Gardens in Northampton, and Cardiff Arms Park in Wales. These venues would have participated in Big Stadium Hockey, a new form of the sport that uses innovative technology to temporarily lay international-standard playing surfaces at stadiums.
2026 FIH
With the goal of attracting new fans and diversifying the sport’s fan base throughout the United Kingdom, the proposal also promised to implement a comprehensive social impact and legacy strategy.
Nick Pink, the chief executive of England Hockey, said:
In 2026, the Netherlands and Belgium will host two major international competitions, and we wish them the best of luck. While the decision has certainly left us feeling sad, we stand behind the proposal we submitted and the game-changing potential it presented. As a further note, I’d want to express England Hockey’s gratitude to our bid partners for their unwavering support over the course of this two-year campaign. Our team is committed to continuing the work begun during the bid process to maximize the sport’s positive social effect and leave a lasting legacy that welcomes new fans from all walks of life.
Ria Burrage-Male, CEO of Hockey Wales, said:
In a joint statement, we would like to extend our congratulations to the Netherlands and Belgium on their successful bid. Despite our disappointment, we have strengthened our bond with England Hockey and formed new, productive partnerships as a result of this trip. Maintaining a strong hockey presence in homes, schools, and communities is a top priority for us, as is motivating the next generation to take up the sport.
Katherine Grainger, the chairwoman of the United Kingdom’s sports council, said:
“UK Sport is delighted that the Netherlands and Belgium have been awarded the 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s and Women’s World Cups,” the organization said.
We’re sad that hockey fans in the UK won’t get to see top-tier competition up up and personal, but we’re still enthusiastic about the Big Stadium Hockey concept.
Twelve partners worked on and supported the bid, with the intention of making positive social and sporting impacts. England Hockey, Hockey Wales, UK Sport, CSM Sport & Entertainment, the Greater London Authority, the Welsh Assembly Government, the West Northamptonshire Council, the Cardiff Council, Cardiff Rugby, Harlequins F.C., Northampton Saints, and Tottenham Hotspur were all involved in the proposal.
