Darwin, Australia — New Zealand made history at the 2025 Oceania Cup, with both the Black Sticks Women and Men securing qualification for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
The women’s team captured the Oceania title after a dramatic shoot-out victory over Australia, while the men’s side earned their place despite finishing runners-up, benefiting from the Kookaburras’ prior qualification through the FIH Pro League.
These results mean both New Zealand teams will compete among the world’s elite at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, to be held from August 14–30, 2026, in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Black Sticks Women Crowned Oceania Champions
The Black Sticks Women scripted one of the most inspiring chapters in New Zealand field hockey history.
At the 2025 Oceania Cup in Darwin, they defied expectations by overcoming powerhouse rivals Australia in a tense best-of-three series, clinching the continental crown and securing their spot at the upcoming World Cup.
Game 1: Early Lead in the Series New Zealand started strong, winning 1–0 in the opening match thanks to captain Olivia Shannon, who scored the decisive goal in the final quarter. Her leadership and composure gave the Black Sticks an early edge in the series and confidence heading into Game 2.
Game 2: Australia’s Response Australia’s Hockey roos bounced back in the second match. In true fighting spirit, Mariah Williams netted a late winner to seal a 1–0 victory, leveling the series and setting up a thrilling decider for the Oceania title.
Game 3: A Dramatic Decider and Shoot-Out Glory In the 53rd minute, Jessie Anderson equalized for New Zealand, forcing a tense draw at full time and sending the series into a penalty shoot-out.
Under immense pressure, the Black Sticks Women were flawless — converting all five of their attempts. Goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon produced a match-winning save, sealing New Zealand’s victory and the 2025 Oceania Cup championship.
After the emotional win, captain Olivia Shannon reflected on the team’s resilience, saying:
“We didn’t qualify for Paris, but this series has shown our fight and resilience. This means everything to us.”
With that triumph, the Black Sticks Women reclaimed continental supremacy and booked their place at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026.
Black Sticks Men Secure World Cup Spot Despite Runner-Up Finish
For the Black Sticks Men, the 2025 Oceania Cup was a test of grit and determination against one of the world’s most dominant teams — the Australian Kookaburras.
While New Zealand couldn’t topple their rivals, their second-place finish was still enough to guarantee qualification for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, since Australia had already earned their berth through the 2023–24 FIH Pro League.
Series Summary
-
Game 1: Australia struck early and controlled proceedings to win 2–0, showing their championship pedigree.
-
Game 2: New Zealand displayed flashes of promise but ultimately fell 4–1, with a late consolation goal offering some encouragement.
-
Game 3: The Black Sticks fought bravely — captain Sam Lane scored the opener, demonstrating leadership and attacking flair. However, the Kookaburras rallied with four unanswered goals to seal another 4–1 win and claim the title.
Despite the defeats, the Black Sticks Men’s resilience and tactical improvement across the series impressed fans and analysts alike. Their qualification ensures they’ll represent Oceania alongside Australia at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 in Wavre (Belgium) and Amstelveen (Netherlands).
Teams Qualified So Far for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup
Men’s Teams Qualified
-
Belgium – Automatic entry as co-hosts
-
Netherlands – Automatic entry as co-hosts
-
Australia – Qualified via the 2023–24 FIH Pro League
-
Spain – Qualified via Pro League standings
-
Argentina – 2025 Pan American Cup champions
-
Germany – 2025 EuroHockey Championship finalists
-
New Zealand – 2025 Oceania Cup runners-up
Women’s Teams Qualified
-
Belgium – Automatic entry as co-hosts
-
Netherlands – Automatic entry as co-hosts
-
Germany – Qualified via Pro League standings
-
Argentina – Qualified via Pro League standings
-
USA – Earned berth through 2025 Pan American Cup
-
Spain – Qualified through the 2025 EuroHockey Championship
-
New Zealand – 2025 Oceania Cup champions
Continental championships in Africa and Asia will determine two more direct qualifiers per gender, while the remaining seven teams will earn their places through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026.
These qualifying tournaments will feature two eight-team events, with the top three from each — plus the highest-ranked fourth-place finisher — completing the 16-team lineup for both men’s and women’s competitions.
Road to Belgium and the Netherlands 2026
With the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 drawing closer, the global lineup is starting to take shape.
Dominant performances from nations like Argentina, Germany, Spain, and USA have set a high standard, while New Zealand’s qualification marks a major milestone for the Black Sticks program.
Both the Black Sticks Women and Men now look ahead to 2026 with renewed confidence, determined to showcase their speed, precision, and fighting spirit on hockey’s biggest stage.
