The FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers run from 8–14 March 2026 at G.M.C. Balayogi Hockey Ground, Hyderabad
India’s 20-member squad, led by Salima Tete, aims to secure qualification after a tough FIH Pro League campaign
Matches stream on Star Sports Khel and JioHotstar; tickets range from ₹25–₹100 for fans
The FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Hyderabad will take place from 8 March 2026 to 14 March 2026 at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground (Gachibowli Hockey Complex).
This event is the final opportunity for teams to secure a spot in the main tournament in Belgium & Netherlands later this year. Eight teams will battle it out in Hyderabad for three World Cup slots, making it a crucial week of high-stakes hockey.
For India, the qualifiers come after a challenging FIH Pro League season in Europe, where the team failed to register a single win and finished last in the table under coach Harendra Singh.
Despite flashes of intensity, the team struggled in crucial final quarters, conceding multiple goals from penalty corners and failing to convert attacking opportunities under pressure.
This makes Hyderabad not just another tournament, but a vital opportunity for India to refocus, improve, and secure World Cup qualification.
The team will be led by captain Salima Tete, with a 20-member squad that blends experienced campaigners like Nikki Pradhan and Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam with young talents including Ishika and Lalremsiami.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, recently appointed Chief Coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team said, “We are really looking forward to our first tournament together. We have been working on fitness and tactics so everyone understands their role. Two practice matches in Hyderabad will ensure we are fully prepared for the qualifiers.”
FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers - Format And Pool
The 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers are divided into two tournaments, one in Hyderabad, India, and the other in Santiago, Chile. The structure for each tournament is as follows:
8 teams per tournament, divided into two four-team pools.
After a round-robin stage, the top two teams from each pool advance to the semifinals.
Qualification to the World Cup: The top three teams from each tournament, along with the highest world-ranked team that finishes fourth in each event, will earn a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
For the Hyderabad leg, the eight teams are split into two pools:
Pool A: England, South Korea, Italy, Austria
Pool B: India, Scotland, Uruguay, Wales
FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers - Hyderabad Schedule
| Matchup | Date | Time | Pool |
| England vs Italy | 08-Mar-26 | 12:45 | Pool A |
| South Korea vs Austria | 08-Mar-26 | 15:00 | Pool A |
| Italy vs Austria | 09-Mar-26 | 12:45 | Pool A |
| South Korea vs England | 09-Mar-26 | 15:00 | Pool A |
| England vs Austria | 11-Mar-26 | 12:45 | Pool A |
| Italy vs South Korea | 11-Mar-26 | 15:00 | Pool A |
| Scotland vs Wales | 08-Mar-26 | 17:15 | Pool B |
| India vs Uruguay | 08-Mar-26 | 19:30 | Pool B |
| Uruguay vs Wales | 09-Mar-26 | 17:15 | Pool B |
| Scotland vs India | 09-Mar-26 | 19:30 | Pool B |
| Uruguay vs Scotland | 11-Mar-26 | 17:15 | Pool B |
| India vs Wales | 11-Mar-26 | 19:30 | Pool B |
| 3rd Pool A vs 4th Pool B | 13-Mar-26 | 12:45 | Classification |
| 3rd Pool B vs 4th Pool A | 13-Mar-26 | 15:00 | Classification |
| 1st Pool A vs 2nd Pool B | 13-Mar-26 | 17:15 | Semi-finals |
| 1st Pool B vs 2nd Pool A | 13-Mar-26 | 19:30 | Semi-finals |
| Loser SF1 vs Loser SF2 | 14-Mar-26 | 17:15 | Third place |
| Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 | 14-Mar-26 | 12:45 | Final |
| Loser C1 vs Loser C2 | 14-Mar-26 | 12:45 | Seventh/Eighth place |
| Winner C1 vs Winner C2 | 14-Mar-26 | 12:45 | Fifth/Sixth place |
FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers - Indian Squad
Hockey India has announced a 20-member squad, led by Salima Tete, for the Hyderabad qualifiers. Notable absentees include former captain Savita Punia, unavailable for personal reasons, and drag-flicker Deepika, still recovering from injury.
Goalkeepers: Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary
Midfielders: Salima Tete, Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Deepika Soreng
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur, Annu
India will open their campaign against Uruguay on 8 March, followed by Scotland on 9 March and Wales on 11 March. This squad blends experience, leadership, and youth, aiming to turn intensity into efficiency to secure World Cup qualification.
FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers - Live Streaming And Tickets
Fans can catch all matches live on Star Sports Khel and JioHotstar. Tickets for the G.M.C. Balayogi Hockey Ground (Gachibowli Hockey Complex) go live on 2 March 2026.
East Stand: Rs 100
North Stand: Rs 50
South Stand: Rs 25
Tickets can be purchased via Ticket Genie. Hockey India has encouraged families, students, and hockey enthusiasts to fill the stands and support both India and the visiting teams during this crucial tournament.
