The India women’s national field hockey team is set to compete in the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 in Hyderabad, Telangana, starting on Sunday. This tournament will see eight teams, including India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria, vying for three spots in the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026. The top three teams in the qualifiers will secure direct berths for the upcoming World Cup.
In Hyderabad, teams will battle for the three coveted World Cup qualification spots, with the first, second, and third-placed teams in the tournament earning tickets to the 2026 edition. The World Cup will feature 16 teams each in the men’s and women’s competitions, with nine teams in each category already qualifying, setting the stage for intense competition.
The tournament format divides the teams into two pools, with the top two from each pool advancing to the semifinals. The winners of the semifinals and the bronze medal match will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup. Additionally, the fourth-placed team with the highest world ranking will also earn a spot in the tournament.
Teams are split into two pools: England, Korea, Italy, and Austria in pool A, and hosts India, Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales in pool B. This event serves as the final opportunity to qualify for the World Cup, promising intense competition among top hockey nations worldwide.
The Indian team will rely on strong home support in Hyderabad as they aim for a stellar performance. Under the guidance of chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, the team is determined to capitalize on the advantage of playing at home. Ranked ninth globally, India is the second-highest ranked team in the tournament after seventh-ranked England, and they are eager to secure their World Cup qualification.
India will kick off their campaign against Uruguay on March 8, followed by matches against Scotland and Wales on March 9 and March 11, respectively. The Indian Women’s Hockey Team, with eight previous World Cup appearances, is aiming for their ninth participation, with their best finish being fourth place in the inaugural 1974 edition.
Captain Salima Tete expressed the team’s excitement about playing the qualifiers at home, emphasizing the tough competition ahead. She highlighted the importance of home support in Hyderabad, motivating the team to focus on delivering strong performances and securing their place in the World Cup.
