2026 Hockey World Cup Preview: Outlook and Favourites

The 2026 Hockey World Cup is about to begin. In the last two weeks of August, the world’s top hockey nations will gather in the Netherlands and Belgium to compete for the world title. For Dutch hockey fans, it will be a special tournament, as both the men’s and women’s tournaments will be played partly on home soil.

The new format is particularly striking during this tournament, whilst we are once again seeing that the Netherlands are among the favourites in both the men’s and women’s competitions. And yet countries such as Belgium, Australia, Germany and Argentina will do everything in their power to prevent the Dutch teams from winning the world title. Can ‘our’ men’s and women’s hockey teams retain the title on home soil?

When is the 2026 Hockey World Cup?

The 2026 Hockey World Cup begins on Saturday 15 August and runs until Sunday 30 August. The matches will be split between two countries and two stadiums: the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen and the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium.

What is striking is that the men’s and women’s World Cups are being held simultaneously. This has only happened once before. The women’s final is scheduled for Saturday 29 August in Amstelveen, whilst the men will be competing for the world title in Wavre on Sunday 30 August.

There’s a good chance that Dutch fans will really set the Wagener Stadium alight, as the Dutch women’s team are playing all their matches in Amstelveen. The Dutch men’s team will also be playing their group matches on home soil. In short: it’s going to be one big party!

Which countries are taking part in the 2026 Hockey World Cup?

There are sixteen teams competing in both the men’s and women’s tournaments. Sixteen teams, all dreaming of winning the world title. Below is an overview of the four groups, each consisting of four teams, for both the men’s and women’s tournaments:

Hockey World Cup: men’s tournament draw

Hockey World Cup: women’s tournament draw

A new format at the World Cup

This year’s 2026 Hockey World Cup will feature a revamped format. In the first round, there will be four groups of four nations. The top two teams from each group will then qualify for the second group stage.

There, the eight remaining nations will be divided into two new groups. The top two nations from each group will qualify for the semi-finals. A notable feature is that the result against an opponent who also progresses to the second group stage will be taken into account. As a result, matches in the first group stage are immediately crucial to the rest of the tournament.

The third- and fourth-placed teams are also placed in a new group and ultimately compete for places 9 to 16. This means that even for countries that are knocked out of the race for the world title at an early stage, there is still something at stake.

World Cup Hockey favourites – Men

Going into the tournament, the men’s competition is completely wide open, with the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and Germany among the main contenders. Germany are the reigning world champions, having won the 2023 World Cup following a spectacular final against Belgium. This was already the third world title for our neighbours to the east.

Belgium, too, have shown in recent years that they can shine on the biggest stage. In fact, according to the bookies, our southern neighbours are the favourites at odds of 2.85. This is partly because the Red Lions won the 2025–26 FIH Hockey Pro League in June, beating Australia 5–4 in their final match. A few days earlier, Belgium had also beaten the Netherlands 2–1.

Australia are also serious contenders. The Kookaburras are multiple world champions and finished third in the most recent Pro League. With three world titles to their name, there’s no denying that the Ozzies are among the very best in the world and are therefore in with a chance of a place on the top step of the podium. The odds for an Australian victory stand at 7.50.

Reigning Olympic champions: the Netherlands

Finally, the Netherlands must, of course, be included in the list of favourites. The Oranje are the reigning Olympic champions and have been among the very best in the world for years. At the 2025 European Championships, the Netherlands lost the final to Germany on penalties, but the team also showed in the Pro League that it can hold its own against the world’s strongest nations. Can they do the same at the tournament on home soil? A Netherlands victory offers odds of 3.50.

Women’s Hockey World Cup favourites

In the women’s competition, the Netherlands are once again the clear favourites. The Dutch team has an impressive track record at the World Cup. After all, in what other sport do you see one country winning nine out of fifteen editions? That is exactly what the Dutch women’s hockey team have achieved. This makes the Netherlands by far the most successful country in the history of the women’s tournament. The odds show that a victory for the Netherlands would give you odds of 1.35.

Their recent form also gives little cause for concern. The Netherlands won the 2025–26 FIH Hockey Pro League in truly convincing fashion. They had already secured the title in June, after which the Oranje rounded off the season with a 3–0 victory over Belgium.

Nevertheless, there are always challengers, and the Dutch women must not underestimate anyone. A good example is Australia. The Hockeyroos were the only team this season to take points off the Netherlands in the Pro League. Argentina and Belgium are also among the nations capable of going far. Finally, there are always opportunities for Germany, not least because they finished runners-up at the 2025 European Championship. If you’re backing Argentina to win the World Cup, the odds are 8.00.

Dutch men’s fixtures

Netherlands women’s fixtures

Frequently asked questions about the Hockey World Cup

When is the 2026 Hockey World Cup?

The 2026 Hockey World Cup will be held from 15 to 30 August in the Netherlands and Belgium. The matches will take place at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen and the Belfius Hockey Arena in Waver.

Who has won the Hockey World Cup the most times?

In the men’s competition, Pakistan remains the most successful team with four world titles. In the women’s competition, the Netherlands have the upper hand, having won nine of the fifteen editions.

Can I bet on the Netherlands during the Hockey World Cup?

Yes, a range of bets may be available for matches involving the Dutch men’s and women’s teams. These could include, for example, the winner of a match or a handicap bet. Check out the wide range of betting options at Oranje Palace today.

Who will win the 2026 Hockey World Cup?

The Netherlands are strong favourites in the women’s competition. In the men’s competition, the race is slightly more open, as countries such as Belgium, Germany and Australia are also seen as contenders.