The Irish men's hockey squad, currently ranked tenth in the world, have secured a place at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup after an impressive run in the qualifying tournament held in Santiago, Chile.
Dominant qualifier performances
Coached by Mark Tumilty, the team posted a flawless record, defeating Canada 5‑2, Korea 6‑1 and Poland 4‑1 to cement their position at the top of the standings.
Two decisive goals from forward Jonathan Lynch in the semi‑final helped Ireland crush Wales 4‑0, while Greg Williams added both scores in a 2‑1 victory over France in the final.
Historic campaigns beyond the qualifiers
The side finished seventh at the FIH Hockey Men's Nations Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, after a 3‑0 win over the United States and a 5‑1 triumph in the play‑off for ninth place.
Veteran players such as Sean Murray, who boasts more than 160 caps, and Lee Cole with over 150 appearances, have been instrumental in the team's recent successes, alongside captain Kyle Marshall and the experienced Matthew Nelson.
Mark Tumilty, appointed in 2019, guided Ireland to their third Olympic Games appearance at Paris 2024 and now prepares the squad for a fourth World Cup, a milestone that reflects the nation's growing stature in the sport.
Looking ahead to the global stage
The 2026 World Cup will commence on 15 August in the Netherlands and Belgium, where Ireland will join the world's elite teams under the moniker the Green Machine, a nickname that celebrates their historic Olympic silver and European bronze medals.