Mission WC! Indian Women's Hockey Team To Begin FIH World Cup Qualifiers Against Uruguay

Last Updated:March 07, 2026, 14:59 IST

This tournament features eight teams, India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria, battling for three coveted qualification spots for the global event.

India look to secure a spot at the upcoming FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup as they commence their campaign against Uruguay in the Qualifiers on Sunday, under the stewardship of a familiar yet new coach, Sjoerd Marijne.

This tournament features eight teams—hosts India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria—battling for three coveted qualification spots for the global event.

Three direct World Cup berths are at stake, awarded to the teams finishing first, second, and third in the tournament, granting them entry to the 2026 edition, which will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30, alongside the men’s event.

This marks Marijne’s first assignment since returning as head coach, after previously departing following the team’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

India, currently ranked ninth in the world, are the second-highest ranked team in the tournament, trailing only England, who are seventh globally.

“We are really excited to play the qualifiers at home in front of our fans. The team has been preparing very hard for this tournament because we know what is at stake. Every team here is competing for a place in the World Cup, so we expect tough matches from the start," said India captain Salima Tete.

Based on world rankings, India are favourites against Uruguay and are likely to win unless they experience an off day.

Following their match against Uruguay, India will face Scotland on March 9 and Wales on March 11.

In other matches of the day, England will play Italy, Korea will face Austria, and Scotland will compete against Wales.

The qualifiers are structured into two pools: Pool A comprises England, Korea, Italy, and Austria, while Pool B includes hosts India, Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales.

The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals. The winners of both semifinals and the bronze medal match will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup. Additionally, the highest world-ranked team finishing fourth in this tournament will also earn a spot at the World Cup.

The upcoming World Cup will feature 16 teams in both the men’s and women’s competitions, with nine teams in each category already having secured qualification.

India has competed in eight editions of the Women’s World Cup so far and is aiming for their ninth appearance. Their best finish was in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 1974, where they achieved fourth place.

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