New Zealand’s women’s hockey team has unveiled a balanced 20-member squad for the 2026 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup, with head coach Phil Burrows combining seasoned internationals and rising stars as the Black Sticks prepare for one of the biggest tournaments on the global hockey calendar. The World Cup will be held from August 15 to 30 across Belgium and the Netherlands, featuring the world’s top 16 nations.
The Black Sticks secured their place at the World Cup after defeating arch-rivals Australia to win the 2025 Oceania Cup, a victory that reaffirmed New Zealand’s status among the leading teams in international women’s hockey. After lifting the continental title, the focus has now shifted towards competing with the world’s elite on the sport’s grandest stage.
A Squad Built for the Big Occasion
Phil Burrows has retained the core of the side that has shown steady progress over the past year while rewarding several emerging players who have impressed in recent international competitions. The squad reflects a blend of experience, pace and youthful energy, with Olivia Shannon leading the team as captain.
New Zealand’s 20-player squad:
Olivia Shannon (Captain)
Anna Crowley
Brittany Wang
Casey Crowley
Ella Hyatt-Brown
Emma Findlay
Grace O’Hanlon
Hannah Cotter
Hannah Gravenall
Holly Pearson
Josephine Murray
Julia Gluyas
Kaitlin Cotter
Katie Doar
Liz Thompson
Mezzy Surridge
Paige Blake
Rebecca Baker
Riana Pho
Tessa Reid
Burrows believes the squad has grown significantly throughout the current World Cup cycle, particularly in handling pressure situations and executing the team’s tactical approach consistently. The selection reflects the coaching staff’s confidence that the group is ready to compete against the world’s highest-ranked nations.
A Tough Pool Awaits
The Black Sticks have been drawn into Pool C, where they will face three formidable opponents:
Belgium (Hosts)
Ireland
Spain
All group-stage matches will be played at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium. New Zealand begin their campaign against the host nation before taking on Ireland and Spain in what is expected to be one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
World Cup Schedule (New Zealand Time)
August 17: New Zealand vs Belgium – 3:30 AM
August 18: New Zealand vs Ireland – 9:00 PM
August 21: New Zealand vs Spain – 12:00 AM
Eyes on a Deep Tournament Run
Currently ranked among the world’s top teams, New Zealand enter the World Cup with growing confidence following an encouraging international season. The combination of experienced campaigners and exciting young talent gives the Black Sticks genuine hope of challenging for a place in the knockout rounds and potentially making one of their strongest World Cup runs in recent history.
Having earned qualification through their Oceania Cup triumph, the Black Sticks now have an opportunity to test themselves against the very best, with the ultimate goal of bringing home a historic World Cup medal.
Discussion about this post