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FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025: Ticket sales begin today!

Lausanne, Switzerland: The FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting events in the indoor hockey calendar, bringing together the world’s top teams for a high-paced, action-packed tournament. Set to take place in the historic city of Poreč, Croatia, from 3-9 February, 2025, the event will see elite men’s and women’s teams from across the globe battle for supremacy in this unique and fast-paced format of the game. The ticket sales for the event have begun today and can be purchased by clicking here (English) or here (Croatian). Venue: Zatika Arena The 2025 Indoor Hockey World Cup will be hosted at the Zatika Arena, one of Croatia’s premier indoor sports venues. With a seating capacity of 3700, this state-of-the-art facility has previously hosted major international sporting events, making it the ideal location for this global hockey spectacle. Fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere as the world’s best teams compete in an environment designed to enhance the viewer experience, both in person and online. Teams to Watch The FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup will feature 12 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams, each representing the best of indoor hockey from across their respective continents. Europe, known for its strong indoor hockey tradition, will once again provide formidable competitors, with Austria men returning to defend their title while German men’s and women’s teams, who missed out on the previous edition, will each look to add to their tally of three world cup trophies. Teams from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania will also showcase their talents, with many nations seeking to establish dominance or claim their first title in the indoor format. While Germany and Austria have traditionally been powerhouses in indoor hockey, many others like Iran, Czechia, Poland have emerged as strong contenders, who will once again be in the mix for the title and podium places. This diverse mix of teams ensures a thrilling tournament full of surprises, skill, and international flair. A Unique Format Indoor hockey is known for its intensity and the high technical qualities required, with smaller teams, quicker games, and high-scoring matches, making it a fan favourite. Played in a 6-a-side format, the tournament emphasises speed, agility, and tactical precision. Games are shorter than traditional outdoor hockey with perimeter boards on the sides keeping the ball in play for longer, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the competition. The 12 teams (in men’s and women’s competition) have been placed into three pools of four teams each. Men’s Pool A: Austria, South Africa, Poland, Croatia Pool B: Iran, Argentina, Germany, Malaysia Pool C: Belgium, Australia, Namibia, Trinidad & Tobago Women’s Pool A: Czechia, Belgium, USA, Croatia Pool B: Austria, South Africa, Poland, Thailand Pool C: Australia, Germany, Namibia, New Zealand The top-8 teams from across the three pools will qualify for the quarterfinals, while the remaining teams will play in the 9-12 position playoffs. Schedule The schedule for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025 can be found here. Ticketing Information With indoor hockey growing in popularity, tickets for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025 are expected to be in high demand. Fans eager to witness the fast-paced action live, in the most vibrant of settings, can purchase tickets online starting today, 17 October, by clicking here (English) or here (Croatian). Croatia: A First-Time Host This is the first time that Croatia will host a global FIH event, and the country is gearing up to welcome players and fans from all over the world. With a growing stature in international hockey, Croatia’s hockey community is excited to showcase its facilities and passion for the sport on the global stage. The event is not only a significant opportunity for Croatian hockey but also for fans worldwide to experience the sport in a new and vibrant setting. The FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025 is set to deliver unforgettable moments of sporting excellence, with the world’s best indoor hockey players ready to compete at the highest level. As we countdown to February 2025, the anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a spectacular event that will bring together the global hockey community in celebration of the indoor format. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “With the launch of the ticketing process, the 2025 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Poreč, Croatia, is becoming even more “real”, in particular for the fans who can now make sure that they won’t miss the party! This is all the more exciting that Croatia will host an FIH World Cup for the very first time! It’s a commitment from FIH and from myself to organise our events in new territories, and therefore garner new fans. We look forward to a magnificent event!” Croatian Hockey Federation President Damir Hrupec added: “We are very proud that the Croatian Hockey Federation is organising the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025 in Poreč, Croatia. We welcome you all to join this tournament! The Croatian Hockey Federation and all hockey players in Croatia can’t wait to show how “small” hockey countries are capable of organising such a big event. I am convinced that everyone who comes will enjoy top-class indoor hockey, Poreč and Croatia.” Mark your calendars for this exciting showcase of skill, speed, and strategy! #IHWC2025 #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please download the Watch.Hockey app or follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X – and website.

Namibia and South Africa seal FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025 spots

Lausanne, Switzerland: The Indoor Africa Cup 2024 came to an end yesterday with Namibia men and South Africa women winning gold and securing their spot at the upcoming FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025, which will be played in Poreč, Croatia from 3-9 February 2025. With two men’s and two women’s spots available from Africa for the world Cup, South Africa men and Namibia women also qualified for the upcoming premier indoor hockey competition by finishing as the silver medalists at the Indoor Africa Cup. In the men’s competition South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana competed in the round-robin stage with each team facing the other three once. South Africa won all three matches in this stage to finish top of the standings, followed by hosts Namibia finishing second by winning their games against Zimbabwe and Botswana by comfortable margins. As the top-2 finishers, South Africa and Namibia headed straight to the final. By virtue of their top-2 finish, both teams also qualified for the FIH Men’s Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025. The two teams had produced a thriller in their round-robin match with South Africa winning out in a tense 5-4 encounter and the finals produced more of the same. After a goalless first half, the match sprung into action with South Africa scoring two quick goals early in the third quarter. Namibia finished the quarter strongly though, scoring twice in the final two minutes to go level into the final quarter. South Africa pulled ahead in the final quarter, but once again Namibia had the answer as the regulation period ended with the two teams tied at 3-goals apiece, sending the title match into the shoot-outs. The teams matched each other through the first phase of the shoot-out, with both sides scoring twice and missing once, sending the contest into sudden-death. South Africa blinked first in the nervy moments, and Namibia sealed the win and the title with a 4-3 win in the shoot-outs to become the champions of Africa. In the women’s competition South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana competed in the round-robin stage with each team facing the other three once. South Africa finished top of the table with 2 wins and a draw. Namibia had a similar record, but an inferior goal difference saw them finish second. In their head-to-head match up South Africa and Namibia drew the game 1-1 and with both teams headed to the final, a thrilling contest awaited. By virtue of their top-2 finish, both South Africa and Namibia had already qualified for the FIH Women’s Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025. The bragging rights in Africa were still up for grabs however, and the final did not disappoint. In a game of two halves, South Africa were phenomenal in the first, scoring three unanswered goals to take a 3-0 lead into the break. But Namibia came blazing back in the second half scoring 3 goals of their own to send the match into a shoot-out with the score tied at 3-3 at the end of regulation period. Both teams missed two attempts and scored one in the first phase of the shoot-out, and the game went into the sudden-death phase. South Africa scored their first attempt, while Namibia missed theirs, making South Africa the champions of indoor hockey in Africa! Jamie Southgate, captain of the South African women’s team, speaking on her team’s performance said: “We are so proud of the team’s performance. It’s a really happy moment to once again be the African champions and we are really looking forward to once again being in the Indoor Hockey World Cup.” #IHWC2025 #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please download the Watch.Hockey app or follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website.

Namibia Upsets South Africa to Claim Indoor Hockey Men’s African Cup

The South African Indoor Hockey Men, backed by Tops at SPAR, aimed to reaffirm their dominance in African hockey as they sought to retain their title as African Champions. Although both teams had already qualified for the Indoor World Cup in Croatia, pride was still very much at stake, creating a tense atmosphere. The opening quarter saw few chances, with a notable save from DJ Strauss keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The second quarter mirrored the first in its defensive intensity. South Africa had a golden opportunity with a penalty stroke, but Mustapha Cassiem’s attempt was brilliantly saved by Strauss, leaving the score level at halftime. The game’s much-needed breakthrough came from Mustapha Cassiem, who, with his back to the goal, executed a trademark roundhouse shot into the bottom corner. Cassiem soon turned provider, setting up Langford for a swift counterattack goal. Cullin de Jager’s impressive triple save was followed by Fagan Hansen pulling one back for Namibia from a penalty corner. Just before the break, Hansen equalized from another penalty corner, setting up a thrilling final 10 minutes. In the final quarter, Cassiem once again showcased his talent with a stunning finish into the roof of the net, but Namibia quickly equalized through Cody van der Merwe. The match ended in a draw, leading to a shootout. The shootout extended to five rounds, with Namibia emerging victorious. Captain DJ Strauss was the hero, leading the underdogs to a landmark win over South Africa. Individual Awards – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 Goalkeeper of the tournament – Cullin de Jager (South Africa) Player of the tournament – Ernest Jacobs (Namibia) Top Goal scorer – Mustapha Cassiem (South Africa) Final Standings – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 1 – Namibia 2 – South Africa 3 – Zimbabwe

SPAR South Africa Indoor Hockey Women Clinch African Championship for the first time in 10 Years

In a thrilling rematch of the previous Indoor African Cup Final, the SPAR South African Indoor Hockey Women emerged victorious over Namibia at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, reclaiming their title as African Champions. Despite both teams having already secured spots at the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup, the game was fiercely contested, driven by national pride. The game’s first significant moment saw Laylaa Davids’ attempt saved by Namibia’s Petro Stoffberg. However, Davids quickly made her mark by assisting Tegan Fourie, who scored her 71st international goal in her 71st start, putting South Africa ahead. SPAR South Africa extended their lead with a stunning goal from Jess Lardant, who fired a penalty corner into the top corner, making it 2-0 by the first break. Namibia fought back, earning a penalty corner that was cleared off the line, but an unforced error allowed South Africa to counterattack. Brisset fed Davids, who made no mistake, increasing the lead to 3-0 by halftime. Namibia’s Jivanka Kruger set up Jerrica Bartlett to pull one back, igniting the home crowd. Both teams’ goalkeepers made critical saves, maintaining the 3-1 scoreline into the final quarter. Namibia launched a comeback with Kiana Cormack scoring twice, once from a turnover and then from a penalty corner, leveling the game at 3-3 and setting the crowd alight. South Africa’s Sarah Paget made crucial saves to keep the score tied, sending the game to a shootout. In the shootout, the teams remained deadlocked after three rounds. Finally, Tegan Fourie, the 2023 SA Indoor Hockey Player of the Year, delivered the decisive goal, securing South Africa’s first continental crown in a decade. Individual Awards – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 Goalkeeper of the tournament – Sarah Paget (SPAR South Africa) Player of the tournament – Kiana Cormack (Namibia) Top Goal scorer – Azaylee Philander (Namibia) Final Standings – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 1 – SPAR South Africa 2 – Namibia 3 – Zimbabwe

SPAR South Africa Indoor Hockey Women Secure World Cup Qualification with Dominant Victory Over Zimbabwe

Swakopmund – The SPAR South Africa Indoor Hockey Women’s team clinched their place at the 2025 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Croatia with a resounding 14-0 victory over Zimbabwe on the final day of pool action. Knowing a draw would suffice for qualification, the South African team left no room for doubt with a stunning display of skill and dominance. Malikah Hamza set the tone by scoring within the first 120 seconds. Cerian Fourie followed with a successful penalty corner, and Tegan Fourie capitalized on a sweeping counterattack, ending the first quarter with a 3-0 lead. Zimbabwean captain Sarah Evans made a brilliant goal-line clearance, but South Africa soon struck again with Jess Lardant’s powerful flick from a penalty corner. By halftime, South Africa extended their lead to 6-0, with further goals from Laylaa Davids, Malikah Hamza, and Tegan Fourie, who netted her 69th international goal. The team maintained their momentum in the second half, with Lardant scoring again and Cailynn den Bakker adding to the tally with a superb individual run. As the match progressed, Malikah Hamza completed her hat-trick, and the final quarter saw some of South Africa’s best play. Cailynn den Bakker, Malikah Hamza, and Tegan Fourie all found the net, with Fourie assisting her sister for a top-corner finish. Lardant capped the game with her hat-trick, equalling South Africa’s best-ever result against Zimbabwe. This emphatic victory not only secured South Africa’s top spot in the pool stage on goal difference but also guaranteed their place in the final and their qualification for the 2025 Indoor World Cup.

South African Indoor Hockey Men Secure World Cup Spot with Dominant Win Over Zimbabwe

The South African Indoor Hockey Men, powered by Tops at SPAR, clinched their place in the final of the Indoor Africa Cup and secured a qualifying spot for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup with a commanding victory over Zimbabwe on Saturday morning. The match began with a tense opening quarter, as both teams struggled to create clear opportunities. Zimbabwe came closest to scoring but the first period ended goalless. South Africa broke the deadlock with their third penalty corner. After chances for Nic White and Mustapha Cassiem were denied, Eustice set up Hezlett for a superb finish. This goal sparked the South African offense, and Mustapha Cassiem quickly added two more goals to extend their lead. Despite Zimbabwe’s efforts, they couldn’t match South Africa’s intensity. A disallowed goal for Zimbabwe briefly provided relief, but Cassiem soon completed his hat-trick with a powerful flick into the top left corner, making it 4-0 at halftime. The South Africans maintained their momentum in the third quarter. Dayaan Cassiem showcased excellent off-the-ball movement to score, followed by another goal from Mustapha Cassiem that slipped through Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper Chibetete. Hezlett scored his second goal from a penalty corner, increasing the lead to 7-0. Langford then netted a stunning goal off the crossbar, and Hans Neethling celebrated his first international goal from a penalty corner. Neethling also assisted Abdulla, who deftly deflected the ball into the net, bringing the score to 10-0 by the end of the third quarter. The final quarter continued in the same vein. Jethro Eustice made it 11-0, and Dalpiaz Langford added another off the crossbar from a penalty corner, rounding out the score to 12-0. The match concluded with South Africa’s dominant win, securing their qualification for the FIH Indoor World Cup in February in Croatia. With their first objective achieved, the South African team now aims to confirm their title as champions of Africa. Source: sahockey.co.za | May 25, 2024

South African Indoor Hockey Men Secure Thrilling Victory Over Namibia at Indoor Africa Cup

The South African Indoor Hockey Men’s team faced off against the hosts in Swakopmund at the Indoor Africa Cup, aiming to top the pool stage and virtually secure a spot in the tournament final, which also serves as a qualifier for the FIH Indoor World Cup 2025 in Croatia. Supported by Tops at SPAR, South Africa introduced debutants Hans Neethling, Cullin de Jager, and Lerou Ditlhakanyane. Meanwhile, veterans Jethro Eustice and Justin Domleo, the most capped players in SA Men’s Indoor Hockey history, brought their extensive experience to the game. Captain Eustice opened the scoring with a precise penalty corner shot into the bottom corner. Mustapha Cassiem then doubled the lead with a brilliant finish, marking his 34th consecutive international indoor game with a goal, ending the first quarter at 2-0. The South African defense, led by de Jager, effectively neutralized Namibia’s attacks, allowing Mustapha Cassiem to score his 79th international indoor goal from a penalty corner variation, making it 3-0. As the half neared its end, Dayaan Cassiem swiftly reacted to a loose ball, lifting it home to secure a 4-0 lead at the halftime buzzer. In the second half, Dayaan Cassiem assisted his brother, who completed his hat-trick with a spectacular over-the-shoulder shot, bringing the score to 5-0. De Jager, on debut, maintained a clean sheet with a crucial save. Namibia mounted a spirited comeback in the final quarter, energizing the crowd. JP Britz scored a penalty corner, followed by Fagan Hansen’s unselfish play to set up another goal, reducing the deficit to 5-2. Hansen then scored again, making it 5-3 with five minutes remaining. Cody van der Merwe added another, bringing the score to a tense 5-4. Despite the pressure, South Africa, led by their resolute captain Eustice, alongside Domleo and the Cassiem brothers, managed to quell the Namibian surge and secure a victory. This win virtually assures the defending champions a place in the tournament final. Remaining Fixtures: 25 May 2024 – 11:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 14:00 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 17:00 – Gold Medal Match Source: sahockey.co.za | May 24, 2024

SPAR South Africa Earns Draw Against Namibia, Eyes Spot in Indoor Africa Cup Final

Swakopmund, Namibia – SPAR South Africa and Namibia renewed their long-standing rivalry in international indoor hockey at the Indoor Africa Cup on Friday. With both teams aware that a victory would virtually assure their qualification for the final—and a spot in the FIH Indoor World Cup—the stakes were high. Namibia, the defending champions, started strong with Azaylee Philander scoring the opening goal after superb setup play from Kiana Cormack. This early goal spurred SPAR South Africa into action, showcasing their resilience with several strong offensive plays. However, they were consistently denied by three outstanding saves from Namibia’s Petro Stoffberg, ending the first quarter 1-0 in favor of the hosts. SPAR South Africa found their equalizer in the second quarter when Cerian Fourie executed a brilliant run up the left side, crossing the ball for Bonolo Moabi to tap home. Despite opportunities from penalty corners, neither team was able to add to their tally, and the score remained locked at 1-1 at halftime. The third quarter saw Sarah Paget make a crucial save to deny a determined Kiana Cormack, while Cailynn den Bakker’s powerful shot was once again saved by Stoffberg. Both teams continued to struggle with converting penalty corners, keeping the score even at 1-1 as the third quarter ended. In the final quarter, SPAR South Africa had an early chance, but Malikah Hamza was unable to direct it goalwards. The game remained on a knife-edge, with both teams nearly frustrating themselves as much as each other. Ultimately, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. This result secured Namibia’s place in the final. SPAR South Africa will now aim to secure their spot by avoiding defeat against Zimbabwe in their final pool stage game on Saturday. Remaining fixtures 25 May 2024 – 11:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 14:00 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 17:00 – Gold Medal Match Source: sahockey.co.za | May 24, 2024

South Africa awarded opening victories as Botswana fail to honour fixture at Indoor Africa Cup

Both the SPAR South Africa indoor women’s team and the SA Indoor Hockey men’s team, powered by Tops at SPAR, were awarded 5-0 forfeit victories on the opening day of the Indoor Africa Cup in Swakopmund. This decision came after Botswana was unable to honour the fixture due to travel difficulties. According to tournament regulations, the games were awarded to the South African teams with a 5-0 scoreline. Despite the absence of their opponents, the South African teams made use of their allotted time to train and prepare. They now look forward to their double-header against Namibia on Friday, a critical match that could significantly impact their chances of qualifying for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup. Remaining Fixtures – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 – Men 24 May 2024 – 20:00 – Namibia vs. South Africa 25 May 2024 – 11:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 14:00 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 17:00 – Gold Medal Match Remaining Fixtures – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 – Women 24 May 2024 – 17:00 – Namibia vs. South Africa 25 May 2024 – 12:30 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 12:30 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 15:30 – Gold Medal Match Source: sahockey.co.za | May 23, 2024

All Eyes on Swakopmund as African Indoor World Cup Spots Are Up for Grabs

For the first time in African indoor hockey history, four nations will compete for the title of African Indoor Champions as the Indoor World Cup Qualifier kicks off in Swakopmund on Thursday. Hosts Namibia, along with Botswana and Zimbabwe, will vie for a coveted place at the 2025 FIH Indoor World Cup in Porenc, Croatia. Thanks to the South African team’s stellar performance at the 2023 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Pretoria, there are now two spots available for African nations. SPAR South Africa made history by becoming the first African team to reach the final four of the Indoor World Cup, securing a second spot for Africa in the women’s tournament. That groundbreaking team was led by head coach Lennie Botha and captain Jess O’Connor, both of whom retired post-tournament. Now, the mantle has passed to AJ Spieringshoek and Jamie Southgate, who aim to clinch an African title that has eluded SPAR South Africa’s ladies in the previous two editions. This team is markedly different from the one that narrowly lost the final at this venue in 2017, with no members from that squad remaining. Defending champions Namibia also triumphed in the inaugural Kathea Energy Nkosi Cup in Cape Town in December, though they fell to South Africa in the Tuanku Zara Cup final. Zimbabwe showed promise in the 2017 tournament, while Botswana is eager to demonstrate their improvement since suffering heavy defeats in the 2022 edition. In the men’s division, both South Africa and Namibia advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup. However, it was South Africa’s sixth-place finish that secured two spots for the continent in Croatia. South Africa, supported by Tops at SPAR, has been the dominant force in African hockey, winning every African qualifier to date, including the last one held at this venue. Despite their impressive record against Namibia, they remain cautious of the threat posed by Trevor Cormack’s side. Zimbabwe, absent from the last edition, showed incredible fight in their previous Swakopmund appearance and remain a wild card due to their extended absence from international matches. Botswana hopes for a better showing than in Durban as they continue to develop as an indoor hockey nation. The tournament will be live-streamed on One Up Two through the NTV page here, with updates available on the South African Hockey social media pages. Fixtures – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 – Men 23 May 2024 – 17:00 – South Africa vs. Botswana 24 May 2024 – 20:00 – Namibia vs. South Africa 25 May 2024 – 11:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 14:00 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 17:00 – Gold Medal Match Fixtures – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 – Women 23 May 2024 – 15:30 – South Africa vs. Botswana 24 May 2024 – 17:00 – Namibia vs. South Africa 25 May 2024 – 12:30 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 12:30 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 15:30 – Gold Medal Match Source: sahockey.co.za | May 23, 2024