Ireland’s women’s hockey squad for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup has been confirmed, featuring a 20‑player lineup that will compete in Wavre, Belgium.
A historic qualification
The team earned its place by topping the Santiago pool and defeating Japan in the bronze‑medal match, a victory that lifted Ireland to 12th in the world rankings and set up a challenging Pool C featuring Spain, New Zealand and Belgium.
Among the newcomers, Elizabeth Murphy and Holly Micklem will experience their first World Cup, while captain Sarah Hawkshaw will spearhead the midfield alongside Charlotte Beggs.
The attacking thrust will be led by Katie Mullan, Sarah Torrans and Mikayla Power, who bring top‑level experience to the forward line.
Defensively, Roisin Upton, Hannah McLoughlin and Caoimhe Perdue form a solid backbone, and Lena Neill (Tice) returns to senior duty after giving birth, adding depth to the rearguard.
Ayeisha McFerran, a 2018 World Cup silver medallist, will miss the tournament due to injury, creating opportunities for emerging talent.
Ireland will also participate in the FIH Hockey Pro League, where Niamh Carey and Emily Kealy will provide wide‑area support, sharpening their match‑fitness ahead of the World Cup.
With a blend of youth and experience, the squad aims to translate its recent bronze‑medal success into a historic semifinal run.