Hyderabad is set to host a high-stakes battle as the Indian women’s national field hockey team launches its campaign in the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier 2026 starting Sunday. With eyes firmly on securing a direct berth to the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup, the hosts are banking on roaring home support and sharp execution under new chief coach Schord Marin.
The tournament features eight fierce contenders: India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria. Divided into two groups of four, Group A pits England, Korea, Italy, and Austria against each other, while Group B includes India alongside Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, followed by a final and a bronze medal match.
Top three finishers earn automatic qualification for the World Cup, which will feature 16 teams in both men’s and women’s categories—nine already locked in per category. The fourth-placed team with the highest world ranking from this qualifier also punches a ticket to the global showpiece.
Ranked ninth globally, India trails only England (seventh) as the second-highest ranked side here. The team kicks off against Uruguay on March 8, followed by clashes with Scotland on March 9 and Wales on March 11.
Captain Salima Tete exudes confidence: ‘Playing this qualifier at home in front of our fans is incredibly exciting. We’ve worked tirelessly knowing what’s at stake. Every team is hungry for a World Cup spot, so we expect tough battles from the start. The home crowd in Hyderabad will inspire us to focus on one match at a time and deliver our best to clinch qualification.’
India’s storied history includes eight World Cup appearances, with a best-ever fourth place in 1974. Under Marin’s guidance, the squad aims to surpass past showings and make a strong statement on home turf.