"VAN" (Sports Desk - 14.08.2025) :: At the ongoing EuroHockey Championships 2025, following their progression into the semi-final of the competition, Spain have qualified for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026!
The semi-final line-up at the EuroHockey Championship 2025 features Spain taking on Netherlands, while Belgium will take on Germany. With Netherlands and Belgium already qualified for the World Cup as hosts and Germany securing their place through the FIH Hockey Pro League, Spain are assured of taking the direct qualification spot available from Europe to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.
The Red Sticks started off their campaign in Pool B of the competition with an impressive 2-2 draw against Belgium, in a contest where they twice faced a deficit, once in each half; but managed to pull level on both occasions. They were strong favourites in their second pool match against Scotland, but the Scottish sprung a surprise banking on a strong defence that kept Spain at bay for most of the game after conceding early. A late goal by Heather McEwan brought the teams level as the teams split the points.
With two points from two games, the final pool match for Spain became a do-or-die affair against England, with both sides vying for a semi-final spot, which would likely come with a 2026 World Cup qualification. Spain struck first through Luciana Molina in the tenth minute, but England were back level almost instantly through a Tessa Howard field goal. Given England’s win over Scotland in their previous game, Spain needed a win to outqualify England for a spot in the semi-final. With the attacking impetus belonging to the Red Sticks, star forward Lucia Jimenez struck early in the second half to restore Spain’s lead. The Spanish defence held firm the rest of the way to get them a crucial 2-1 win, which secured a semi-final spot, and with it, qualification to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026!
Commenting on this achievement, Spanish player Xantal Giné said: “We are absolutely delighted with our qualification for the World Cup! The team has been growing steadily throughout the year and has shown incredible progress. In the Europeans we’ve earned a double reward: the opportunity to fight for a medal and a place in the World Cup. What an amazing journey so far – and it's not over yet!”
Spain become the sixth women’s team to qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Germany and Argentina qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. USA secured their qualification recently at the Pan American Cup 2025, finishing second behind already qualified Argentina. Continental championships in Asia, Africa and Oceania over the coming months will determine three more direct qualifiers for the event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026.
Responses
Leave your comment