"VAN" (Sports Desk - 10.02.2026) :: The Uruguay women’s national hockey team stand on the brink of history as they prepare to compete in the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026, with a first-ever appearance at the global showpiece firmly within reach.
Leading the Cimarronas into this landmark moment is captain Belén Barreiro, who sees the opportunity as both an honour and a challenge – one that has injected fresh motivation into a squad eager to test itself on the biggest stage.
“It is a huge source of pride and a privilege, but also a big responsibility,” Barreiro said. “It comes with a great opportunity to grow both individually and as a team. We are aware of what we are going to face and what could happen, but that motivates us even more. It gives us that extra push and that determination that Uruguay is known for.”
With no previous World Cup appearances to draw upon, Uruguay’s journey through qualification will be unchartered territory. For Barreiro, the key to navigating the balance between excitement and pressure lies in staying grounded in the present.
“The key is to enjoy every day and not think too far ahead,” she explained. “It’s about enjoying the daily routine – the training sessions, being together, and connecting with each other. The excitement will be there because we know what’s coming, but it’s all about staying calm, focusing on ourselves, and taking things day by day.”
What they do arrive with is valuable experience from recent FIH tournaments, notably finishing second at the inaugural FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 in 2025, and continental competitions, including a memorable Pan America Cup 2025 campaign played with strong home support in Montevideo, where they earned their first ever medal finish! Those moments, Barreiro believes, have shaped the team’s mindset for the demands of World Cup qualification.
“Tournaments have taught me how important the mental side is – staying focused and not losing sight of our goals,” she said. “It’s about being fully immersed in the ‘bubble’ of a tournament. At the Copa América, we were very connected and had something really special with the home crowd. Hopefully, we can bring that same feeling with us.”
Staying true to their identity will be central to Uruguay’s approach.
“We don’t want to change who we are,” Barreiro added. “We need to stick to our game plan, trust what we know how to do, and believe in ourselves. If we do that, things will go well.”
For Barreiro and her teammates, the prize at stake extends far beyond qualification alone. A place at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026 would mark a defining milestone for the team – and for Uruguayan hockey as a whole.
“Without a doubt, qualifying for the World Cup would be a dream come true,” she said. “Not only for us as a team, but for a whole country that stands behind us. It would be the reward for years of hard work, sacrifice, and responsibility. We’re on the right path, and we have the conviction and belief needed to earn that spot.”
As the qualifiers approach, Uruguay’s women are ready to embrace the challenge, driven by belief, unity, and the chance to write a new chapter in their hockey history.
Responses
Leave your comment