CAPE TOWN HOSTS FIH HOCKEY MEN’S NATIONS CUP
Cape Town is adding the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Men’s Nations Cup to its growing portfolio of global sporting events.
The Mother City will host the tournament from 11–20 June 2026 at Hartleyvale Stadium, bringing some of the world’s top international hockey teams to South African soil.
South Africa, alongside New Zealand, France, Korea, Japan, Wales, Malaysia, Scotland and Ireland, will battle it out for promotion to the 2026–27 FIH Hockey Pro League. The FIH Hockey Pro League represents the pinnacle of international hockey competition.
“I would like to express our sincere thanks to the Hockey Associations of South Africa. We are delighted to have an outstanding host nation and city for this remarkable tournament,” said FIH President Tayyab Ikram.
“I’m excited for the thrilling matches and the fantastic atmosphere that will unfold, as some of the world’s top teams showcase their talent for hockey fans around the globe.”
A proud moment for South African hockey
This marks only the second time South Africa has hosted the tournament, following the inaugural edition in Potchefstroom in 2022. On that occasion, the host nation lifted the historic first title on home soil in the North West province.
“Hosting the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup in Cape Town is a significant moment for South African hockey. This is a wonderful opportunity for South Africans to experience international hockey at home,” said South African Hockey President Deon Morgan.
“It gives our national team the opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in the world on home soil, while also showcasing the passion and strength of hockey in our country. Events like this inspire the next generation of players and demonstrate South Africa’s capability to host world-class international sport.”
With world-class teams, a passionate hockey community and the iconic backdrop of Cape Town, the 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup promises to be a landmark moment for the sport in South Africa.
The 10-day tournament gets under way at Hartleyvale Stadium in Observatory on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
Action-packed hockey tournament
The opening day of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup promises plenty of entertainment for local fans.
Malaysia face Scotland, Korea take on Japan, Ireland meet the United States, before South Africa closes the day’s action against France in front of what is expected to be a passionate Cape Town crowd.
The host nation is already gearing up for a strong title challenge.
“We are really happy to host it here in South Africa and we will be hoping to make home-ground advantage count in our favour,” said SA captain Dayaan Cassiem.
“The preparations have been going very well, and we are looking forward to challenging France in our opening match.”
South Africa, ranked 13th in the world, will be aiming to repeat its historic 2022 triumph in Potchefstroom and reclaim the title from New Zealand.
The New Zealand Black Sticks have dominated the competition, won back-to-back championships and arrived in Cape Town in pursuit of a hat-trick of FIH Hockey Nations Cup titles.
“Cape Town’s an amazing city and we have South African coaches in our team, so it’s been awesome to learn a bit of the history and listen to their stories of life here,” said New Zealand Captain Sam Lane.
“We have just had a visit from China in preparation in New Zealand and we seem to be shaping up well. We have some good opposition, so I expect us to be challenged, but I hope we can have some really good success.”
First day fixtures are:
12.15: Malaysia v Scotland
14.30: Korea v Japan
16.45: Ireland v USA
19.00: France v South Africa
Tickets are available through iTickets
