The 2026 FIH Women's World Cup is set to unfold from August 15 to 30 in the historic towns of Wavre, Belgium, and Amstelveen, Netherlands, gathering the world’s top squads for the 16th edition of the tournament.
Among the selected athletes are Liberty University’s own Paris Gail-Isaacs and Ntsopa Mokoena, who have both earned senior caps for South Africa and bring a blend of youthful vigor and seasoned poise to the national roster.
A Dual Milestone for Liberty and South Africa
Isaacs, a sophomore who helped the Lady Flames capture the BIG EAST championship in her debut season, logged 14 starts and contributed to a defense that limited opponents to under two goals per game.
Her international résumé includes appearances at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was the youngest member of the South African squad, and a stint with the U21 national team, as well as participation in the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior Cup in Santiago, Chile.
Mokoena, a freshman slated to join Liberty this fall, arrives with 49 international caps and prior experience at two Junior World Cups, having contested the tournament in both 2023 and 2025.
Both players have previously represented South Africa at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking a continuity of talent that the national program hopes will translate into a strong showing in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The upcoming World Cup will test the squad against a competitive field, but the inclusion of Isaacs and Mokoena signals a strategic push to blend home‑grown experience with fresh collegiate energy.
Coaches and analysts alike note that the pair’s familiarity with high‑pressure environments could prove decisive as South Africa aims to climb the tournament standings.