Lausanne [Switzerland], March 17 (ANI): An official draw ceremony held right now on the iconic Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands – one of many two venues the place the upcoming World Cup can be held, alongside the brand-new Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium – has decided the eight Pools of the group stage of the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, in accordance with a launch.
The draw was achieved by worldwide hockey legends Naomie van As, Barbara Neelen and Teun de Nooijer, in addition to DJ La Fuente, who was introduced as Dutch Ambassador for the World Cup in the course of the ceremony.
The World Cup 2026 groupings:
Women:
Pool A: Netherlands, Australia, Chile, Japan (enjoying within the Netherlands)Pool B: Argentina, Germany, USA, Scotland (enjoying in Belgium)Pool C: Belgium, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland (enjoying in Belgium)Pool D: China, England, India, South Africa (enjoying within the Netherlands)
Men:
Pool A: Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan (enjoying within the Netherlands)Pool B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia (enjoying in Belgium)Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa (enjoying in Belgium)Pool D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales (enjoying within the Netherlands)
Today’s milestone occasion was attended by FIH President Tayyab Ikram, FIH Vice-President and EuroHockey President Marcos Hofman, FIH Executive Board Member Erik Cornelissen, Dutch Hockey Federation President Erik Klein Nagelvoort, Belgian Hockey Federation President Patrick Keusters, the captains from the Netherlands (Renee van Laarhoven, Marijn Veenand, Thierry Brinkman and Lars Balk) and Belgium (Charlotte Englebert, Michelle Struijk, Arthur Van Doren and vice-captain Arthur De Sloover), the top coaches from the Netherlands (Raoul Ehren and Jeroen Delmee) and Belgium (Adam Commens and Shane McLeod), representatives from the native authorities, industrial companions and quite a few different company.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram stated: ‘Today’s draw marks one other main milestone on the street to essentially the most prestigious FIH occasion, the FIH Hockey World Cup! The upcoming version, for each ladies and men, co-hosted by two hockey powerhouses, guarantees to be a powerful success. We are very grateful to each Belgium and the Netherlands for internet hosting our high athletes and the worldwide hockey group in lower than six months’ time.’
‘In right now’s fractured world, sport–and occasions corresponding to this in particular–can play a considerable position in bringing folks collectively. It can foster peace at instances when our world is torn aside by battle. I invite all followers around the globe to affix in, and I already want all collaborating athletes an unforgettable expertise,’ he added.
Match schedule
The FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026 can be held in Amsterdam and Wavre from 15 to 30 August 2026. The full match schedule can be introduced tomorrow, 18 March.
Mascots
Another vital World Cup duo was revealed right now: two playful and energetic mascots, representing the enjoyment, teamwork and power of hockey! One per gender. Round – identical to a hockey ball and like our world – they symbolise how hockey brings folks collectively from each nook of the globe. A marketing campaign will quickly be launched to ask followers to present names to those mascots. (ANI)