(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Oceania Cup 2025: New Zealand Women and Australia Men Crowned Champions, World Cup Spots Secured
The Oceania Cup 2025 wrapped up in Darwin, Australia, with New Zealand women and Australia men lifting the titles after exciting three-match series. The victory was particularly special for the Black Sticks women, who also earned direct qualification to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.
🏑 Women’s Competition: Black Sticks Claim Glory in Shoot-Out
The women’s series was a nail-biter from start to finish:
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Game 1: Australia dominated but New Zealand snatched a 1-0 win, thanks to captain Olivia Shannon’s late strike.
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Game 2: Australia bounced back with a 1-0 win, sealed by Mariah Williams in the 56th minute.
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Game 3: Australia scored first, but Jessie Anderson equalized in the 53rd minute, forcing a shoot-out.
In the penalty shoot-out, New Zealand were flawless, converting all five attempts, while goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon produced a vital save. The Black Sticks clinched the Oceania Cup and celebrated their spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Captain Olivia Shannon said:
“The World Cup is so important for us. Not qualifying for Paris was tough, but this victory shows our resilience and hunger.”
🏑 Men’s Competition: Kookaburras Dominate, Black Sticks Qualify
The men’s series saw the Kookaburras continue their regional dominance:
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Game 1: Australia beat New Zealand 2-0, with goals from Lachlan Sharp and Nathan Ephraums.
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Game 2: Despite a bright New Zealand start, Australia powered to a 4-1 win, scoring in each quarter.
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Game 3: New Zealand’s Sam Lane opened the scoring, but Australia hit back with goals from Jack Welch, Ky Willott, Blake Govers, and Tim Brand, sealing another 4-1 victory.
While Australia took the trophy, New Zealand men still secured direct World Cup qualification, since Australia had already qualified through the FIH Hockey Pro League.
Kookaburras captain Jeremy Hayward shared:
“We’re excited for the World Cup. For now, we’ll focus on Hockey One before regrouping in January.”
🌍 World Cup Qualification Update
Women’s Teams Qualified (so far)
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Belgium & Netherlands (Hosts)
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Germany & Argentina (FIH Pro League)
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USA (Pan American Cup)
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Spain (EuroHockey Championship)
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New Zealand (Oceania Cup)
Teams qualified for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers include: Uruguay, Chile, Canada, Ireland, England, France, Italy, Wales, Scotland, Austria, Switzerland, and Australia. Four more teams will come from Asia.
Men’s Teams Qualified (so far)
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Belgium & Netherlands (Hosts)
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Australia & Spain (FIH Pro League)
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Argentina (Pan American Cup)
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Germany (EuroHockey Championship)
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New Zealand (Oceania Cup)
Teams confirmed for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers include: USA, Canada, Chile, France, England, Austria, Poland, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. Additional places will be filled by qualifiers from Asia and Africa.
📅 Road to the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
The stage is now set for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. With powerhouse nations already securing their spots and more teams battling through continental qualifiers, hockey fans can expect an unforgettable tournament.
