Hockey Countries

The leading hockey countries are usually the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, India and Germany when it comes to field hockey. These nations have been structural fixtures at the top of the international rankings for years, with Argentina, England and New Zealand often in the mix as well.

A quick distinction:

• Field hockey: Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, India, Germany, Argentina.
• Indoor hockey: Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Spain, Belgium and the Czech Republic.
• Ice hockey: Canada, Finland, Sweden, the United States, Russia and the Czech Republic.

Why this difference

When people in the Netherlands say "hockey", they usually mean field hockey. Indoor hockey sits naturally alongside it as the winter format. Globally both versions are big in Europe, India, Australia and parts of South America, while ice hockey dominates in North America and Northern Europe.

Let's zoom in on the various continents when it comes to field hockey:

Hockey in Europe

Europe is the epicentre of modern hockey. The Netherlands is the most dominant nation in the history of the women's game, with nine world titles. The Oranje Dames have won the World Cup in 1974, 1978, 1983, 1986, 1990, 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022 — a record without equal. On the men's side the Netherlands has three world titles to its name.

Belgium has gone through an incredible transformation thanks to the BeGold programme. The Red Lions became Olympic champions in Tokyo 2021 and won the World Cup in 2018 in Bhubaneswar. The 'golden generation' around Alexander Hendrickx, Arthur Van Doren and Felix Denayer put Belgian hockey firmly on the world map. Germany combines tactical discipline with physical power and is a two-time men's world champion. Spain and England round out the European top five.

FIH top-20 countries from Europe: Netherlands (W #1, M #1), Belgium (W #3, M #2), England (W #6, M #4), Spain (W #5, M #7), Germany (W #7, M #6), Ireland (W #13, M #9), France (W #16, M #10), Scotland (W #14, M #17), Wales (M #16), Italy (W #20).

Hockey in Asia

India is the historic powerhouse of hockey, with eight Olympic gold medals between 1928 and 1980. While the country no longer performs at that level, India remains a top-five men's nation. The rivalry with Pakistan, four-time world champions, is one of the most iconic in sporting history. China has made a spectacular climb on the women's side, reaching the top four of the world rankings. Japan and South Korea are constants in Asian hockey.

FIH top-20 countries from Asia: China (W #4), India (W #9, M #8), Pakistan (M #12), Malaysia (M #14), Japan (W #15, M #15), South Korea (W #18, M #20).

Hockey in Oceania

Australia is synonymous with physical, athletic hockey. The Kookaburras (men) and Hockeyroos (women) have been at the very top of the world for decades, driven by a sporting culture that rewards peak performance. New Zealand, although smaller, is a regular at World Cups and Olympic Games.

FIH top-20 countries from Oceania: Australia (W #8, M #3), New Zealand (W #10, M #11).

Hockey in Pan-America

Argentina is the undisputed hockey leader of the Americas. Las Leonas (women) have won two world titles and are a cultural phenomenon back home. Los Leones (men) won Olympic gold in Rio 2016. The United States and Canada are growth markets where hockey keeps gaining popularity, and Chile surprised the world by spectacularly qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

FIH top-20 countries from Pan-America: Argentina (W #2, M #5), Chile (W #11), United States (W #12), Uruguay (W #17), Canada (M #19).

Hockey in Africa

South Africa is the strongest African hockey nation and the only one that consistently competes at World Cups and Olympic Games. The country has a strong club and school competition that regularly produces talent for the international stage. Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria are developing as emerging hockey nations on the continent.

FIH top-20 countries from Africa: South Africa (W #19, M #13), Egypt (M #18).

Uzbekistan — emerging power in Central Asia

Uzbekistan is one of the most surprising hockey countries in the world. The Central Asian nation has invested heavily in hockey development in recent years, with new artificial turf fields in Tashkent and a national training programme. Uzbek hockey players regularly take part in Asian continental tournaments and have set the ambition of qualifying for a World Cup within ten years. The country builds on its Soviet hockey heritage and combines it with modern training methods.

Uruguay — Latin American hockey beyond Argentina

Uruguay shows that hockey in South America does not revolve around Argentina alone. The country runs an active national league with clubs in Montevideo and Punta del Este. Uruguayan hockey players take part in the Pan American Championships and the country has a growing youth competition. Hockey is seen in Uruguay as a sport that fosters teamwork and discipline, and the number of players grows year on year.

Oman — hockey culture in the Middle East

Oman is one of the few countries in the Middle East with a serious hockey culture. The sport was introduced by the Indian and Pakistani diaspora and has grown into a popular recreational and competitive sport. Oman takes part in Asian Hockey Federation tournaments and has invested in modern facilities in Muscat. The national team dreams of one day reaching the World Cup.