World Cup format revamp: Belgium, Netherlands add second group phase

In the bright arena of the 2026 hockey Mundial, Los Leones line up against Nueva Zelanda, a clash that illustrates the tournament’s brand‑new structure. The match, captured in photos by @fihockey, marks the first test of a format that reshapes both the men’s and women’s competitions.

The Mundial de hockey hosted by Bélgica and Países Bajos features a format different from recent editions, applying to both the male and female tournaments. Quarter‑finals have been removed, replaced by a second group phase that will decide the four semifinalists.

Initially, sixteen selections are split into four groups – Grupo A, B, C and D – each containing four teams. Every team plays three matches in this first round, and the two best from each group move on to the next stage in pursuit of the title.

Second‑phase group composition

After the opening round, the top two of each group advance to a second‑phase title race, while the third‑ and fourth‑placed sides contest positions nine through sixteen. The eight title‑contenders are redistributed into two new zones: Grupo E and Grupo F.

The first and second‑placed teams from Grupo A and Grupo D form Grupo E, while the leading pairs from Grupo B and Grupo C create Grupo F. Meanwhile, the lower‑ranked teams are allocated to Grupo G and Grupo H to determine the final rankings.

A key detail of this second stage is that the result of any first‑phase encounter between teams that meet again is carried over to the new table. Those teams do not replay each other, meaning every point and goal from the opening round can prove decisive.

When the second phase concludes, the two best teams from Grupo E and the two best from Grupo F progress to the semifinals, where a first‑place side faces a second‑place opponent. The semifinal winners contest the final for the world title, while the losers play for the bronze medal.

Team results and upcoming matches

Los Leones finished second in Grupo A after a 3‑0 win over Japan, a 3‑2 loss to Países Bajos, and a 7‑1 victory against Nueva Zelanda. Their loss means they start the second phase with zero points.

Las Leonas topped Grupo B with seven points, earned from a 1‑1 draw with the United States, a 3‑2 win over Germany and a 2‑0 triumph over Scotland. They will face España on Saturday 22 August at 16:00 and Bélgica on Monday 24 August at 15:30, both matches broadcast by and Disney+ Premium.

Argentina shares Grupo F with Alemania, Bélgica and España. Their 3‑2 win over Alemania is carried over, giving them three points, while Alemania begins with none. Bélgica and España start with one point each after a 1‑1 draw between them.

Argentina’s schedule includes a Saturday 22 August clash at 14:00 with Inglaterra, the world’s number‑3 ranked side, followed by a Monday 24 August meeting with India at 9:45. Both fixtures will also be shown on additional platforms.