FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifier: Three Teams Seal Semi Final Spots

The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifier in Santiago delivered thrilling action as three teams secured semi final berths. Poland and Ireland advanced from Pool B, while France strengthened its position in Pool A. The tournament has now entered a decisive and highly competitive stage.

Poland celebrates after securing a semi final spot in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifier.
Image Source: Instagram/@polishfieldhockey —Edited & Modified by Us

The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifier has entered a crucial phase after a series of gripping encounters in Santiago, Chile. Following intense competition on the third day, three teams have officially booked their places in the semi finals, while others continue to fight for survival.

According to officials from the International Hockey Federation, the tournament has produced several decisive results in both the men’s and women’s categories, significantly shaping the road to the 2026 Hockey World Cup.

Men’s Pool A: France Impresses, Scotland Holds Top Spot

In Pool A of the men’s competition, France delivered a dominant performance, defeating Wales 5–0 to climb to second place in the standings.

Victor Charlet led the charge with a stunning hat trick, while Benjamin Marqué added two goals to seal a comprehensive victory. Charlet earned the Player of the Match award for his outstanding display.

Meanwhile, hosts Chile played out a 2–2 draw against Scotland in a tightly contested encounter. Sebastián Wolansky and Juan Amoroso scored for Chile, while Jamie Golden and Struan Walker found the net for Scotland.

With one win and one draw, Scotland currently sits at the top of Pool A. Wales remains at the bottom with one draw and one defeat. The final semi final qualification from this group will be decided in the upcoming matches.

Men’s Pool B: Poland and Ireland Secure Semi Final Qualification

Pool B witnessed two teams confirming their places in the semi finals of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifier.

Poland Eliminates Canada

Poland defeated Canada 2–1 in a crucial fixture. Gracjan Jarzyński and Tomasz Bembenek scored decisive goals for Poland. Although Canada managed a late consolation goal, it proved insufficient.

Jarzyński was named Player of the Match for his influential performance.

Ireland Overpowers South Korea

Ireland produced a commanding 6–1 victory over South Korea to confirm their semi final place.

Gregory Williams, Lee Cole, Matthew Nelson, and Louis Rowe delivered standout performances. Sean Murray received the Player of the Match award and praised his team collective effort and attacking discipline.

With these results, Poland and Ireland have advanced, while Canada and South Korea are officially eliminated from the tournament.

Women’s Pool B: Ireland and Malaysia Advance

The women’s competition also delivered decisive outcomes in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifier.

Ireland Edges Japan

Ireland defeated Japan 2–1 in a crucial Pool B clash. Niamh Carey and Caoimhe Perdue converted penalty corners to secure the win, while Mai Toriyama scored Japan’s lone goal.

Carey was awarded Player of the Match for her match winning contribution.

Malaysia Ends Canada Hopes

Malaysia claimed an emphatic 6–1 victory over Canada, effectively ending Canada hopes of qualifying for the Hockey World Cup.

Khairunnisa Muhammad, Nur Azhar, Zati Muhammad, Nuramira Zulkifli, and Fatin Sukri were among the goal scorers. Nur Azhar earned Player of the Match honors after an exceptional display.

FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifier Enters Decisive Phase

With semi final spots filling up, the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifier has now moved into a high stakes stage. The remaining fixtures will determine the final contenders battling for qualification to the 2026 Hockey World Cup.

As competition intensifies in Santiago, teams are leaving nothing to chance in their quest for global qualification. Fans can expect even more drama and elite level hockey in the upcoming matches.

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