In Santiago, the capital of Chile, the draw has been made for the Women’s Under 21 World Cup (Dec. 1-13). Jong Oranje is assigned as group head in a group with Japan, host Chile and Malaysia. The Netherlands – with Kai de Jager as national coach – is the defending champion.
It is the first time that not 16, but 24 countries are participating in the World Under 21 Championship. Due to the larger field of participants, smaller field hockey nations are also participating this year, including Namibia, Uruguay and Scotland. Of course, top nations such as Argentina and Germany are also participating.
The previous edition of the World Under 21 Championship was also played in Santiago at the end of 2023. Young Oranje won the final from Argentina, after a thrilling comeback. Halfway through the World Cup final, the Netherlands was on a losing streak due to a 0-2 deficit. But two hit drag flushes by Mikki Roberts rebalanced the score after halftime. Goalkeeper Sofie ter Kuile then led the young Dutch to the world title in the shoot-outs.
Pool assignment
| Pool A | Pool B | Pool C |
| Netherlands | Argentina | Germany |
| Japan | Belgium | India |
| Chile | Zimbabwe | Ireland |
| Malaysia | Wales | Namibia |
| Pool D | Pool E | Pool F |
| England | Australia | United States |
| South Africa | Spain | South Korea |
| China | Canada | New Zealand |
| Austria | Scotland | Uruguay |
by Hockey.nl
