The French men's hockey squad is gearing up for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, a tournament that marks their first appearance in eight years and ends a 28‑year World Cup drought. Currently ranked ninth in the world, France enters the event with a blend of youthful vigor and seasoned experience, aiming to translate recent successes into a historic performance.
After finishing eighth in 2018 and thirteenth in 2023, France secured the ticket to the Netherlands‑Belgium edition by placing second in the Santiago qualifier, where Victor Charlet’s hat‑trick helped crush Wales 5‑0 and cement the team’s return to the global stage.
Qualifying Triumph in Santiago
The momentum carried into Cape Town, where the French side captured the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup with a perfect five‑match record, a feat that has amplified expectations and demonstrated the effectiveness of head coach John‑John Dohmen’s tactical vision.
Dohmen, a former key player in Belgium’s 2018 World Cup triumph and 2020 Olympic gold, has instilled a winning mentality and tactical intelligence that are already reshaping French play. His impact is evident in the team’s disciplined performances and their ability to compete with traditional powerhouses.
Key figures such as Victor Charlet, who boasts 176 goals in 183 international appearances, Timothée Clément — named the 2021‑22 FIH Young Player of the Year — and Corentin Sellier are expected to lead the attack. The roster also includes François Goyet, Malo Martinache, Benjamin Marqué, Stanislas Branicki and Xavier Esmenjaud, adding depth and versatility.
France’s ambition is clear: to challenge Belgium, Germany and Malaysia, and to create the kind of upsets that will resonate far beyond the pitch. The squad’s blend of youthful talent and experienced leadership positions them to make a significant impact in the upcoming World Cup.
With the tournament drawing near, fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the French team prepares to write a new chapter in their hockey history, hoping to turn a long‑awaited return into a memorable campaign.