VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN FIH NATIONS CUP DRAW ANNOUNCED
The Vantage Black Sticks Men are set to return to the international stage at the 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, as they look to secure a third consecutive title.
Taking place from 11–20 June 2026 at the Hartleyvale Hockey Stadium, the tournament brings together some of the world’s top-ranked teams outside of the FIH Pro League, with the winner earning the opportunity for promotion to the top tier of international hockey.
New Zealand enters the tournament as back-to-back champions, having claimed the Nations Cup title in both 2024 and 2025, and will be looking to attack the competition once again in pursuit of a third championship.
The Vantage Black Sticks Men have been drawn into Pool A alongside Malaysia, Korea, Japan and Scotland in what shapes as a highly competitive group with little margin for error.
Pool B will feature France, Ireland, South Africa and the United States.
The tournament format sees teams compete in pool play before progressing into semi-finals and classification matches, with the top sides advancing to the knockout stages.
Men’s match schedule (NZT):
· vs Scotland – 13 June, 5:00am
· vs Korea – 15 June, 3:00am
· vs Malaysia – 16 June, 10:15pm
· vs Japan – 18 June, 5:00am
Assistant Coach Shea McAleese said the group is highly motivated to continue its strong record in the competition.
“While we’ve stepped away from the Pro League, it doesn’t change our ambition as a group. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past two years and we’re heading to Cape Town with a real desire to go again and push for a third straight title.
“The Nations Cup is a high-quality tournament with strong opposition, and it gives us a great opportunity to test ourselves, build combinations, and keep progressing as a team leading into the World Cup in August.”
Further tournament and broadcast details will be confirmed closer to the event.