The International Hockey Federation has announced a major expansion of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup and FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2, increasing participation from eight to ten teams from the next edition onward.
The move will create opportunities for eight additional teams each year across the two competitions, which serve as the second and third tiers below the FIH Pro League. Additionally, Nations Cup 2, introduced in 2025, will become an annual event from 2027. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said the decision aligns with the federation’s Empowerment and Engagement Strategy aimed at providing more competitive opportunities for emerging hockey nations.
No team will be relegated from this year’s Nations Cup tournaments.