Germany's women's hockey team, known as Die Danas, is preparing for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. Ranked fifth in the world, the squad carries the weight of a storied tradition that includes two World Cup crowns and an Olympic gold medal.
The German side is one of only three nations to have featured in every edition of the World Cup, a testament to its enduring competitiveness. Since the tournament's inception, Germany has secured the championship in 1976 and 1981, and added an Olympic gold in 2004, moments that still echo through the current generation.
A recent surge of form
In the 2023‑24 FIH Hockey Pro League, Germany finished second, a result that secured its spot for the 2026 World Cup. The following season saw the team finish fifth in the 2025‑26 Pro League, winning seven of its last eight matches and demonstrating a resilient attacking rhythm.
The 2025 EuroHockey Championship added a silver medal to the team's recent haul, underscoring the progress made under head coach Janneke Schopman, a former Olympic gold‑medallist with the Netherlands who took charge of the German women in 2022.
Key figures in the squad include captain Linea Weidemann, whose leadership anchors the midfield, veteran forwards Lisa Nolte and Sonja Zimmerman, and emerging star Lena Micheel, who has netted 26 goals in 160 international appearances and earned four EuroHockey Championship medals.
Schopman, who previously coached the United States and India women's national teams, brings a global perspective and a winning mentality. She has expressed confidence that the team can compete with the best on the world stage, a sentiment echoed by the players as they gear up for the tournament.
Looking ahead
With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, Germany's women's team aims to translate its historical success into a fifth World Cup title. The upcoming tournament promises to be a decisive chapter in a legacy that continues to shape global hockey.