AUCKLAND CONFIRMED TO HOST THE WOMEN’S 2026 FIH NATIONS CUP

Following today’s FIH announcement, Hockey New Zealand, which had submitted bids to host the men's and the women's FIH Nations Cups with the aim of securing at least one event, is proud, in partnership with the FIH to announce that Aotearoa New Zealand will host the 2026 Women’s FIH Nations Cup, bringing eight international teams to the North Harbour National Hockey Centre on the North Shore of Auckland from 15–21 June 2026.

The tournament will see the Vantage Black Sticks Women return home to defend their Nations Cup title in front of New Zealand fans after being crowned champions in 2025. Joining host nation New Zealand will be India, the United States, Chile, Korea, Japan, Scotland and France, with teams competing across seven days of international hockey.

Head Coach Phil Burrows highlights the significance of hosting this event. “Being able to host the FIH Nations Cup at home is hugely valuable and exciting for the squad. It gives us the opportunity to connect as a group, fine-tune the way we want to play, and build real momentum heading into the World Cup.”

Hosting the event marks a major milestone for hockey in New Zealand, with the tournament set to bring world-class international competition back to home soil. It will also be the first time since 2017 that New Zealand has hosted a major international hockey event. For Hockey New Zealand, the opportunity to once again host a tournament of this scale is a significant moment for the sport.

“Bringing the Women’s FIH Nations Cup to Auckland is a huge milestone for hockey in Aotearoa and reflects the growing strength and profile of the women’s game. Hosting world-class international teams on home soil gives our fans a rare opportunity to experience elite hockey live, while providing the Vantage Black Sticks Women with the ideal environment to defend their title and build momentum ahead of the FIH World Cup later this year. We’re incredibly proud to welcome the hockey world back to North Harbour and to showcase New Zealand as a host of major international events”, CEO Michelle Hollands.

Bringing the world-class international teams to Auckland will provide local fans with the rare chance to experience elite international hockey in person, while also giving the Vantage Black Sticks Women the opportunity to defend their Nations Cup title on home soil and prepare for the FIH World Cup in August this year.

Hockey New Zealand would like to acknowledge the support of MBIE, Tataki Auckland Unlimited, whose support and partnership has helped make the event possible and played a key role in bringing international hockey back to New Zealand.

Alongside the women’s tournament in Auckland, the FIH has also confirmed that South Africa will host the 2026 Men’s FIH Nations Cup, to be played in Cape Town from 11–20 June 2026. The men’s competition will feature New Zealand, South Africa, France, Korea, Japan, Wales, Malaysia, Scotland and Ireland, showcasing the depth and quality of international men’s hockey during the Nations Cup window.

The winner of the each of these Nations cup tournaments will earn the opportunity to be promoted to the FIH Pro League.

Further details, including match schedules for both tournaments, as well as ticketing information and broadcast coverage arrangements for the women’s event, will be announced in the coming months.