VANTAGE BLACK STICKS WOMEN SET FOR HOME NATIONS CUP DEFENCE AS DRAW CONFIRMED
Eight of the world's top hockey nations are heading to Auckland this June, with the draw for the 2026 FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup now confirmed - and the reigning champions Vantage Black Sticks Women set to defend their crown on home turf.
The tournament runs from 15–21 June 2026 at North Harbour Hockey Stadium on Auckland's North Shore - the biggest home hockey event in nearly a decade.
The Vantage Black Sticks women enter the tournament as defending champions, having claimed the title at the 2024-25 edition, and will be chasing back-to-back Nations Cup crowns in front of a home crowd.
The Vantage Black Sticks Women have been drawn into Pool B alongside Chile, Korea and France, while Pool A features India, USA, Japan and Uruguay.
The tournament format sees the two pools of four play a round-robin, with teams then progressing into semi-finals and classification matches. Medal games take place on the final day.
Vantage Black Sticks Women's pool play schedule (NZT):
vs Korea – 6:00pm, Monday 15 June
vs Chile – 6:00pm, Tuesday 16 June
vs France – 6:00pm, Thursday 18 June
Semi-finals and classification matches will be played on Saturday 20 June, with medal matches - including the gold medal final - on Sunday 21 June.
To view the full draw, click here.
Be there when it matters
With the draw now confirmed, fans across Aotearoa can start planning their trip to Auckland for what's set to be a landmark week for hockey in New Zealand. Whether you're coming across town or flying in from further afield, this is the first chance in years to watch the Vantage Black Sticks Women play a full international tournament on home soil - and to see some of the world's best teams up close.
Tickets are not yet on general sale. Sign up to the ticket waitlist at hockeynz.flicket.co.nzto be the first to hear when tickets are released, and for all future ticket purchase information. If you are interested in purchasing group tickets for 10+ people, please contact support@hockeynz.co.nzfor more details and offers.
What's at stake
The FIH Hockey Nations Cup brings together some of the highest-ranked teams in world hockey for a week of top-flight international competition. For the Vantage Black Sticks Women, it's the chance to defend a title in front of their own fans - something New Zealand hockey doesn't often get the opportunity to witness.
New Zealand, India and Spain have won the three previous editions of the women's Nations Cup, with the Black Sticks Women the most recent champions.
Hockey New Zealand CEO Michelle Hollands said the tournament is a rare chance for local fans to see top-level international hockey on home soil.
"The FIH Nations Cup is an exciting event for New Zealanders and fans of hockey to enjoy. With nations from all around the world there is opportunity to support teams and enjoy some of the finest skills on display in hockey. Importantly for Vantage Black Sticks fans, it is an opportunity to support our national team as they defend their 2025 title."
Further tournament information and broadcast details will be shared in the coming weeks via Hockey New Zealand and Vantage Black Sticks channels.
Quick facts
Event: FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup 2025-26
Dates: 15–21 June 2026
Venue: North Harbour National Hockey Centre, 159 Bush Road, Rosedale, Auckland
Teams: New Zealand (hosts, defending champions), USA, Japan, Korea, Chile, Uruguay, France, India
Tickets: Waitlist open at hockeynz.flicket.co.nz