Ireland's women's hockey team faces World Cup without McFerran
Goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran, a cornerstone of Ireland's recent successes, has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after sustaining an injury. The 2018 Tournament's Goalkeeper of the Year was instrumental in the women's silver‑medal run, and her absence leaves a significant gap in the defensive line.
Head coach Gareth Grundie has named a 20‑player squad that includes emerging talents Lizzy Murphy and Holly Micklem as direct replacements. Both players bring top‑level experience from the Irish league and are expected to shoulder the responsibilities previously held by McFerran.
Ireland's women secured their spot in the tournament by edging Japan in a dramatic shoot‑out in Santiago, a victory that underscored the team's resilience. Currently ranked 12th in the world, they are placed in Pool C alongside Spain, New Zealand and Belgium, a grouping that offers a realistic route to a top‑two finish.
A top‑two finish would see them advance to Pool E, where a semi‑final berth awaits. The coaching staff emphasises tactical discipline and depth, hoping the new combinations can maintain the defensive solidity that characterised their 2018 campaign.
Men's side prepares for historic World Cup debut
Coach Mark Tumilty has also announced a 20‑player roster for the men, marking their first appearance at the World Cup since 2018. The squad earned qualification through a semi‑final win over Wales and a decisive victory against France in Santiago.
The men are positioned 10th globally and will compete in Pool C against Australia, South Africa and Spain. A top‑two finish would again grant them a place in Pool E, while a third‑ or fourth‑place finish would route them to Pool H for classification matches.
Both squads share a common ambition: to translate pool performance into a semi‑final opportunity and to build on the momentum of recent international successes. The upcoming tournament promises to test depth, adaptability and the ability to rise to the occasion without their most experienced figures.