Wales men's hockey team eyes historic World Cup run
Wales' men's hockey side is gearing up for its second straight appearance at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, a milestone that underscores the rapid rise of a programme once considered a peripheral force in the sport.
The journey to the tournament has been paved with decisive victories in the Santiago qualifiers, where a 5‑0 thrashing of Scotland and a narrow 2‑1 win over Poland cemented their place among the world’s elite.
That success follows a breakthrough year in which Wales captured the EuroHockey Championship II title in 2025, a triumph that propelled them back into the top tier of European competition and set the stage for future ambitions.
Central to that surge have been standout performances from forwards Jack Pritchard and Gareth Griffiths, who contributed seven and five goals respectively during the championship, while midfield dynamo Jacob Draper has been lauded for his relentless energy and defensive tenacity.
Head coach Danny Newcombe, who has masterminded qualification for the World Cup on two separate occasions, will rely on Draper’s all‑action style as the team prepares to open its campaign on 15 August, when both the men’s and women’s squads step onto the pitch.
Beyond the trophy hunt, the Welsh squad carries the hopes of a nation eager to see its hockey heritage celebrated on the global stage, a narrative that resonates deeply with fans across the country.