Historic First-Ever FIH Para Hockey World Cup Set for August in Belgium
LAUSANNE/AMSTELVEEN – The countdown has begun for a historic moment in world hockey as the first-ever FIH Para Hockey World Cup is set to take place from 21 to 25 August 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands, alongside the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.
The landmark event represents a major milestone for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and reinforces its commitment to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities in sport. The inaugural tournament will feature 16 teams competing in the 6-a-side format for athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID).
FIH President Tayyab Ikram said the championship marks a new chapter in the global development of hockey, describing it as a significant achievement for the sport’s inclusive vision. He encouraged hockey fans from around the world to support the Para Hockey athletes and be part of this historic occasion.
The tournament will be played at HC Myra in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and Louvain-la-Neuve HC in Belgium, with the championship matches taking place at the iconic Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen and the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, the same venues hosting matches of the FIH Hockey World Cup.
Para Hockey has experienced steady global growth over the past 14 years, with more than 30 national hockey associations now running Para Hockey programmes. The sport also promotes inclusion through mixed-gender teams, reflecting FIH’s commitment to equal participation.
The sport gained international recognition in 2023, when Para Hockey was showcased as a demonstration sport at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, featuring teams from 12 countries.
The inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup is expected to further accelerate the sport’s global development and strengthen its pathway toward becoming a recognised discipline at future Special Olympics World Summer Games, beginning with the 2027 edition in Santiago, Chile.
With just weeks remaining before the opening whistle, anticipation is building for a tournament that promises not only elite competition but also a powerful celebration of inclusion, determination and the universal spirit of hockey.
All 16 participating teams have been divided into two groups—Pool A and Pool B—for the inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup 2026. Pakistan has been placed in Pool A and will kick off its campaign against France in Belgium. The Green Shirts will be aiming for a strong start in the historic tournament as they compete among the world’s top Para Hockey nations.
