No More Quarterfinals: Hockey World Cup Gets Major Format Overhaul
What Happened
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 will be played under a new format that eliminates the quarterfinal stage. After the initial group phase, teams will move into crossover pools, and the top two teams from Pools E and F will advance directly to the semifinals. Results against qualifying teams from the first phase will also carry forward, making every group-stage match crucial.
Key Takeaways
The revamped format puts far greater importance on early matches, leaving little room for mistakes. Teams must perform consistently from the start, as pool-stage results can directly influence semifinal qualification and title chances.