The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup Egypt 2026, creating a new global platform for the sport’s emerging stars.
The tournament will take place in Ismailia, Egypt, from 7 to 12 December 2026, featuring 12 men’s and 12 women’s U18 national teams competing in the fast-paced Hockey5s format.
The new World Cup has been introduced to strengthen the international pathway for young hockey players following the postponement of the Youth Olympic Games in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent decision for hockey to feature as a non-medal Engagement Sport at the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026.
However, the event will go beyond competition. Developed under an athletes-first philosophy and guided by FIH President Tayyab Ikram, the tournament will combine elite Hockey5s with programmes focused on education, leadership, wellbeing and long-term athlete development.
From 7 to 9 December, athletes and team staff will take part in the Athlete Talent Camp, which will cover hockey skills and tactics, Olympic values, athlete wellbeing and long-term development.
A parallel Youth Leadership Camp will provide young team officials and umpires with opportunities to develop their leadership and officiating skills. Each participating nation will nominate one young umpire aged 18 to 25, with successful participants eligible to receive an FIH Level 1 Umpiring Award or an FIH Youth Leadership Award.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram said the tournament represents an important step in developing the next generation of players and hockey leaders.
“The creation of the FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup marks another important milestone in our commitment to empowering the next generation of hockey players.”
He added that the event would give young athletes from every continent the opportunity to compete internationally while developing both on and off the field.
Egypt’s selection as the host also reflects FIH’s focus on expanding hockey’s global footprint and strengthening the sport in emerging regions. The inaugural tournament is expected to showcase Africa’s ability to stage major international sporting events while leaving a lasting legacy for hockey among young people.
The FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup Egypt 2026 is ultimately designed as more than a new competition — it is a development platform aimed at nurturing the players, officials and leaders who will shape the future of hockey.
