England Announces Squads for 2026 Hockey World Cup
England Hockey has unveiled the squads that will represent the nation at the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, a tournament set to take place across Belgium and the Netherlands from 15 to 30 August. The selections blend seasoned internationals with emerging prospects, setting the stage for a competitive campaign.
Tournament Schedule and Venues
Both the men's and women's teams open their tournaments at the iconic Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen. The men will face Pakistan on 15 August, while the women will take on South Africa the following day, marking the start of a schedule that promises high‑stakes matches in a world‑class venue.
Coaching Insights
Head coaches Zak Jones and David Ralph have voiced confidence in the preparedness of their squads, highlighting the balance between veteran savvy and fresh energy as a key factor in their ambitions.
Key Player Spotlights
Among the women's lineup, Lily Owsley will contest her fourth World Cup, having accrued 150 caps for England, while Hannah French, an Olympic medallist, returns to the fold after a period of injury. Captains Flora Peel and Lily Walker lead the charge, supported by a cohort that includes Alice Atkinson, Grace Balsdon and Darcy Bourne.
The men's side is headed by Zach Wallace, with Phil Roper, Jack Waller and Liam Sanford each gearing up for their third World Cup appearance. Nick Bandurak, who previously topped the scoring charts in the FIH Hockey Pro League, joins the mix alongside James Albery, Will Calnan and Henry Croft.
With a blend of experience and youthful vigor, England's prospects are generating considerable buzz ahead of the tournament, as fans and analysts alike anticipate how the team will perform on the global stage.