The women’s hockey teams of South Korea and Wales have landed in Hyderabad for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, a tournament featuring eight nations and scheduled from March 8-14. South Korea, led by captain Lee Yuri, brings the experience of nine previous World Cup campaigns, aiming to improve on their best-ever finish of bronze in 1990.
Wales, fresh from a runner-up finish at the 2025 EuroHockey Championship II, are eager to secure their first World Cup appearance since 1983. In the tournament, Korea is placed in Pool A alongside England, Italy, and Austria, while Wales is in Pool B with India, Scotland, and Uruguay.
England, India, and Scotland had previously arrived in Hyderabad for the competition. England, with a rich history in the FIH World Cup, is determined to earn a spot in Belgium and the Netherlands. The team, led by Captain Flora Peel, is confident after rigorous training and competitive games, aiming to surpass their best finish of a bronze medal in 2010.
India, having shifted from Bengaluru to Hyderabad, is looking to leverage home advantage and local support. Captain Salima Tete expressed the team’s confidence and focus, emphasizing the importance of giving their best in every match to qualify for the World Cup. The teams, divided into two pools, will compete for three spots in the global event.
