Hockeyroos Learn World Cup Pool Competition Following Qualification in Chile

The Hockeyroos have officially learned their opponents for the 2026 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup following the release of the tournament pools, with Australia drawn into Pool A alongside world number one Netherlands, Chile, and Japan.

The draw comes on the back of a successful qualification campaign in Santiago, Chile, where the Hockeyroos secured their place at the World Cup after a series of determined performances against international competition.

Currently ranked eighth in the world, the Hockeyroos will face a significant challenge in Pool A, highlighted by a clash against the top-ranked Dutch side on home soil. Despite the tough draw, Head Coach Rhett Halkett said the focus remains on internal growth and execution.

“We’re very excited to be in the same pool as the number one team in the world and to play the Netherlands in the Netherlands,” Halkett said.

“At a World Cup, every pool is tough. For us, it’s about taking it one game at a time and continuing to build our game.”

Australia’s qualification campaign in Chile also highlighted the depth and emerging talent within the national program. The Hockeyroos entered the tournament with five athletes holding fewer than five international caps, underlining a new generation stepping onto the world stage.

Despite the relative inexperience within the squad, the group demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout the tournament, continuing to evolve their style of play under Halkett’s leadership.

“The maturity of the group and their ability to adapt within the tournament was outstanding,” Halkett said.

“The learnings from Chile were massive for us as a team and will be critical as we build towards the World Cup.”

The Hockeyroos will now turn their attention to a crucial preparation period, including upcoming FIH Pro League fixtures and a series of international matches in Perth, where they will host the United States in the lead-up to the World Cup.

With rankings continuing to fluctuate in the international game, Halkett remains focused on performance rather than positioning.

“World rankings can change quickly, but when it comes to a World Cup, they go out the window,” he said.

“For us, it’s about building consistency, growing as a group and giving ourselves the best chance to succeed.”

The 2026 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup will be played in Belgium and the Netherlands, with the Hockeyroos aiming to convert their recent progress into a deep tournament run on the world stage.

Watch the full interview here.