(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)
The next Hockey World Cup is due to commence in India November 2018. Lasting through December, this event will be closely followed by field hockey fans around the world. With the World Cup being one of the biggest Hockey tournament, some fans might be tempted to bet on their favourite or national team using sports bookmaker such as the one mentioned in mobilecasino.co.nz to get behind the team further.
A total of 16 teams will be competing in the World Cup, up from 12 teams just four years ago. There is even some speculation that in 2022, the competition may be further expanded to 24 teams. Currently, thirteen teams have already garnered a spot in the World Cup:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- England
- Germany
- India
- Ireland
- Malaysia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Spain
With three slots still remaining, some countries are still vying for a position. There are three regional cups which are still to be decided. The winner of each cup will obtain one of the remaining spots in the Cup.
The first to be decided will be the victor in the Oceania Cup which concludes on October 15th, the second team will be named on October 22 at the conclusion of the Hockey Asia Cup with the final spot going to the team who wins the Hockey African Cup for Nations on October 29th.
There are 8 nations competing in the Hockey Asia Cup, five of which who have yet to qualify for the cup: Bangladesh, China, Japan, Oman and South Korea. Many are favouring South Korea to qualify for a remaining cup slot having won the previous two Asia cup in 2009 and 2013 to proceed to the world cup.
The third spot will be earned by one of these remaining teams: Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. South Africa have been dominating the African cup since 1993 so it won’t be a surprise if they proceed to the win the African cup to qualify for the world cup again unless Egypt who have been a runner up for the last 5 times can step up their games.
With the teams soon to be finalized for the Hockey World Cup, fans all over are abuzz with excitement. Which of the 16 teams will take it all in the end? Stay tuned to the latest news from sportsbook as the betting will soon commence.
