Kookaburras Learn World Cup Pool as Preparation Intensifies for Global Showpiece

The Kookaburras have discovered their opponents for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup in August, with Australia drawn in Pool C alongside Spain, Ireland and South Africa for the tournament in Belgium and the Netherlands later this year.

Currently ranked third in the world, the Kookaburras enter the tournament with strong momentum following an impressive and undefeated FIH Pro League campaign in Hobart earlier this year, where the squad showcased both depth and attacking flair against top international opposition.

Kookaburras Head Coach Mark Hager said the group is prepared for a highly competitive pool, with no easy matchups at a World Cup.

“All games are going to be tough, no matter who you're playing,” Hager said.

“We played Ireland in the Pro League, so we saw them last year. South Africa we haven’t played for quite a while and they’re always formidable, and Spain are a very good side with some really strong players. We expect all tough games.”

The Kookaburras’ strong performances in Hobart played a key role in elevating the team back to third in the world rankings, with Hager highlighting the value of the squad’s depth during the campaign.

“What pleased us most was we utilised everyone in the squad and everyone had an opportunity to play,” he said.

“The way we played was exciting as well and we had some really good challenges against all teams we played, which will help us when we go to the World Cup.”

Attention now turns to the next critical phase of preparation, with the Kookaburras set to travel to Europe in June for the next block of FIH Pro League matches. Facing Argentina, England, the Netherlands and Belgium, the European campaign will provide a valuable benchmark against some of the world’s best teams ahead of the World Cup.

Hager said the European leg will be crucial in shaping the final stages of preparation.

“For us, we’re playing Argentina, England, Netherlands and Belgium — it’s a pretty good group to give us a gauge on where we’re at,” he said.

“It will give us really clear ideas on what we need to work on before the World Cup.”

With a structured training phase in Perth to underpin the program, the Kookaburras will focus on refining combinations and managing player loads ahead of a busy international schedule.

As the World Cup approaches, Hager said the group is embracing an attacking mindset.

“We want to play relaxed, brave hockey with freedom and allow players to make decisions and play our style,” he said.

Australia will begin its World Cup campaign in August, with Pool C set to deliver high-intensity matchups as the Kookaburras aim to progress deep into the tournament and contend for gold.

Watch the full interview here.