VANTAGE BLACK STICKS OPEN WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN AGAINST HOST NATIONS
The Vantage Black Sticks men and women opened their 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup campaigns against the host nations on day two, with both teams facing packed stadiums and electric home crowds in the Netherlands and Belgium.
For many of the players, these were some of the biggest games of their careers, creating a memorable opening day despite both teams finishing without points.
The men were first up in Amstelveen, taking on the Netherlands at Wagener Stadium.
The Vantage Black Sticks made a strong start and took the lead through James Hickson, who reacted quickest to a rebound to put New Zealand 1-0 ahead.
The lead held through to halftime, but the Netherlands responded strongly after the break, using the energy of their home crowd to take control of the second half and eventually secure a 1-5 victory.
Just 90 minutes later, the Vantage Black Sticks Women took to the field against Belgium in Wavre.
New Zealand also struck first, with Katie Doar making a memorable return to international hockey. Playing her first match for the Vantage Black Sticks in more than two years, Doar fired home a powerful forehand from a penalty corner breakdown to score her forth international goal.
Belgium responded with two goals in the opening quarter before adding another in the second to take a 1-3 lead into halftime. Grace O’Hanlon was again instrumental in keeping New Zealand in the contest with several outstanding saves.
The Vantage Black Sticks came out firing in the third quarter, with Paige Blake producing a brilliant piece of individual skill before finding Hannah Cotter at the top of the circle. Cotter unleashed a powerful reverse-stick strike into the goal to bring New Zealand back within one at 2-3.
Belgium ultimately found two late goals to secure a 2-5 victory, but there were plenty of positives for the Vantage Black Sticks to take from the performance.
Both Vantage Black Sticks teams now turn their attention to their second pool matches, with the men facing Japan and the women taking on Ireland.
New Zealand Goal Scorers: MEN
24' James Hickson - Field Goal
New Zealand Goal Scorers: WOMEN
4' Katie Doar - Penalty Corner Goal
33' Hannah Cotter - Field Goal