England’s road to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 is officially underway, with the announcement of the women’s and men’s squads that will take on the world’s best from 15–30 August.

With both World Cups staged side-by-side in the Netherlands and Belgium, the tournament promises a fortnight of elite international hockey, high-stakes matches and standout moments as the sport’s leading nations compete for global honours.

England’s men begin their campaign against Pakistan at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Saturday 15 August, while England’s women open against South Africa at the same venue on Sunday 16 August.

Both squads feature a blend of World Cup experience and exciting talent, with captains Flora Peel and Lily Walker named in the women’s squad and Zach Wallace named captain of the men’s squad.

In the women’s squad, Lily Owsley will be competing at her fourth World Cup after achieving 150 England caps at the London leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League. Olympic medallist Hannah French makes her return to the squad after rupturing her ACL at the end of 2025.

Phil Roper, Jack Waller and Liam Sanford will all be competing at their third World Cup. Nick Bandurak has also been selected for his second World Cup. He was the team’s top goalscorer through the FIH Hockey Pro League with 10 goals and he finished in fourth place in the overall rankings.

Women’s squad

Men’s squad