Australia qualified for the Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026 after Great Britain lost the chance to claim the Pro League for the first time.
Australia, currently top of the men’s table with 34 points, have already completed their 16 matches. With GB dropping points today after Belgium beat them 3-1, it means that the Kookaburras will finish either top or second behind the Netherlands, who are co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Belgium and qualify already.
A brace from Alexander Hendrickx led Belgium’s men to a solid victory over Great Britain in Utrecht, with Liam Ansell scoring for GB. Ansell wasn’t picked in the Paris Olympic squad, while Phil Roper and Nick Park didn’t play.
Meanwhile, the Dutch came from behind twice to earn a draw against Germany before the world champions edged ahead again, claiming the bonus point in a 5-4 shoot-out win.
In the women’s Hockey Pro League, the Dutch women’s team secured the title this weekend with a win over Germany. Argentina currently stand second in the table with 34 points, but Germany, on 28 points, can eclipse that total over the coming days.
The Oranje made a triumphant return to international duty with a comfortable 4-0 win over Germany, securing the FIH Hockey Pro League title with three matches still to play. Yibbi Jansen scored a double.
