CAIRO — The Egyptian national hockey team made a statement in their opening match of the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup qualifiers, defeating the United States 3-1 at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia. The qualifiers, hosted by Egypt, run through March 7.
Competing in Group A, Egypt faces England, Japan, and the USA, while Group B features Malaysia, Pakistan, Austria, and China.
The first round was packed with action. England steamrolled Japan 5-0, Pakistan barely scraped past China 5-4 in a wild finish, and Malaysia made it look easy against Austria, winning 6-1.
Next up for Egypt: a big clash with England, then they wrap up Group A play against Japan on Wednesday, March 4.
The qualifiers have drawn significant international attention, with officials from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the African Hockey Federation in attendance, alongside extensive media coverage highlighting the tournament’s competitive intensity.
Eight teams are fighting for just three direct spots in the 2026 World Cup finals, which will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.
There’s also another qualifying tournament going on in Chile, which just ramps up the tension. Every team is desperate to punch their ticket early and avoid any last-minute drama.
