Ireland’s women’s hockey team is poised to compete for a coveted spot in the 2026 FIH World Cup, heading to Chile next month for the qualification tournament. Head coach Gareth Grundie has announced a 19-player squad aiming for a third consecutive World Cup appearance, building on the momentum of their historic silver medal win in 2018.
The Irish team will begin their campaign in Pool B on against Malaysia at 6:15 PM Irish time. The following day, , they face a challenging match against Japan, currently ranked 11th in the group, with a 6:45 PM start. The pool stage concludes on with a significant clash against Canada at 6:15 PM – a rematch of the memorable 2019 Olympic qualifier in Dublin, which Ireland won in a penalty shootout.
Grundie has largely retained the squad that recently participated in the FIH Hockey Pro League in Australia, indicating a level of consistency and confidence in the team’s core players. Goalkeeping duties will once again be shared by Elizabeth Murphy and Holly Micklem, both of whom have been instrumental in Ireland’s recent successes.
The defense will be anchored by Róisín Upton, supported by Katie Larmour, Caoimhe Perdue, Ellen Curran, Sarah McAuley, and Lisa Mulcahy. A notable addition to the defensive line is Amy Handcock, who replaces Caitlin Sherrin and is set to make her major tournament debut after earning her first caps during a Test series in the USA last summer.
Captain Sarah Hawkshaw will lead the midfield, alongside Charlotte Beggs, Christina Hamill, Michelle Carey, Jessica McMaster, and Mia Jennings. This experienced midfield group will be crucial in controlling the tempo and creating opportunities for the forwards.
Upfront, Katie Mullan will be expected to play a key role in securing qualification, supported by Sarah Torrans and Niamh Carey. Emily Kealy has been added to the squad, replacing the injured Mikayla Power.
“There is absolutely no room for complacency and we must be at our best to achieve our goal of qualifying,” Grundie stated, emphasizing the high stakes of the tournament. “Every game will be tough given the size of the prize up for grabs.”
The path to qualification requires Ireland to finish in the top three overall in the competition. Specifically, they need to secure a top-two finish in their pool and then either win their semi-final tie or prevail in the 3rd/4th place play-off match if necessary. Should they reach the semi-finals and final, those matches are scheduled to take place between and .
The full Ireland squad is as follows: Charlotte Beggs, Michelle Carey, Niamh Carey, Ellen Curran, Christina Hamill, Sarah Hawkshaw, Mia Jennings, Katie Larmour, Emily Kealy, Sarah McAuley, Hannah McLoughlin, Jessica McMaster, Holly Micklem, Lisa Mulcahy, Katie Mullan, Elizabeth Murphy, Caoimhe Perdue, Sarah Torrans, Róisín Upton.
Ireland’s qualifying fixtures (Irish time):
- : Ireland v Malaysia (6.15pm)
- : Ireland v Japan (6.45pm)
- : Canada v Ireland (6.15pm)
- –: Crossover Matches (semi-finals, final and ranking games)
The upcoming tournament in Chile represents a crucial opportunity for Ireland to continue their impressive run in international hockey. The team’s blend of experienced players and emerging talent, coupled with Grundie’s strategic approach, positions them well to contend for a place at the 2026 FIH World Cup. The rematch against Canada carries particular weight, evoking memories of their historic Olympic qualification victory and adding an extra layer of motivation for the Irish squad.
