2026 FIH HOCKEY WORLD CUP VANTAGE BLACK STICKS WOMEN'S SQUAD
The Vantage Black Sticks Women have named their 20-player squad for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, with New Zealand's best set to compete on the sport's biggest stage when the tournament gets underway in Belgium and the Netherlands this August.
Held from 15–30 August, the FIH Hockey World Cup brings together the world's top 16 nations to compete for one of international hockey's most prestigious titles.
New Zealand secured qualification by winning the 2025 Oceania Cup in a spectacular contest against Australia and now shifting their focus towards competing against the world’s highest ranked teams.
The Vantage Black Sticks Women have been drawn into Pool C alongside Belgium, Spain and Ireland, with all matches to be played at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium.
The women will open their campaign against host nation Belgium before facing Ireland and Spain in what shapes as a highly competitive pool.
Women's match schedule (NZT):
vs Belgium – 17 August, 3:30am
vs Ireland – 18 August, 9:00pm
vs Spain – 21 August, 12:00am
Head Coach Phil Burrows has selected a squad that combines experienced internationals with an exciting group of emerging talent, reflecting the continued growth of the programme over the past 12 months.
The Vantage Black Sticks Women's squad for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup is:
Anna Crowley, Brittany Wang, Casey Crowley, Ella Hyatt-Brown, Emma Findlay, Grace O'Hanlon, Hannah Cotter, Hannah Gravenall, Holly Pearson, Josephine Murray, Julia Gluyas, Kaitlin Cotter, Katie Doar, Liz Thompson, Mezzy Surridge, Olivia Shannon (Captain), Paige Blake, Rebecca Baker, Riana Pho and Tessa Reid.
Burrows said the squad has continued to evolve throughout the current World Cup cycle and is ready to embrace the challenge ahead.
"We're really pleased with how this group has progressed over the past 12 months. There's been genuine growth in our understanding of how we want to play, improved consistency in our performances, and a stronger ability to execute under pressure.”
"This is still a relatively young and developing group internationally, which is exciting because there's clearly a lot more growth ahead of them. We've selected a squad we believe can compete hard at World Cup level, with strong physical capacity and the ability to sustain the speed and intensity required internationally, while also knowing there's still another level we can reach as a team.”
"The players have worked extremely hard for this opportunity and we're excited for the challenge ahead. A World Cup is always demanding, but this group is motivated, connected, and eager to test themselves against the best teams in the world."
One of the most rewarding selections is the return of Katie Doar, who earns her place back in the Vantage Black Sticks Women's squad after more than a year on the sidelines through injury.
Doar last represented New Zealand at the 2024 FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Spain before a series of injuries forced her away from international hockey. After months of rehabilitation, setbacks and determination to return to the international stage, the midfielder's selection is a testament to her resilience, commitment and unwavering work ethic.
The squad will now complete its final preparations before travelling to Belgium, where New Zealand will begin its campaign against the host nation in front of what is expected to be a passionate home crowd.
Following a successful 2025 Oceania Cup campaign and another year of growth together, the Vantage Black Sticks Women head to Europe with confidence, determined to challenge the world's best and proudly represent New Zealand on hockey's biggest stage.