South Africa’s men will look to use home-ground advantage when they face France in the headline fixture on the opening day of the tournament.
Cape Town, South Africa (10 June 2026) – South African hockey fans will have the chance to see some of the world’s top teams in action when the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup gets underway in Cape Town on Thursday, with the hosts set to headline the opening day against France at Hartleyvale Stadium.
The tournament returns to South African soil for the first time since the inaugural edition in Potchefstroom in 2022, where South Africa made history by lifting the first-ever Nations Cup trophy. Four years later, the men in green and gold have another opportunity to chase a place among the sport’s elite.
The Nations Cup has become one of the most important events outside the FIH Hockey Pro League, offering the world’s top-ranked teams outside the competition a pathway to the highest level of international hockey. The winners of this year’s tournament will secure promotion to the 2026/27 FIH Hockey Pro League.
South Africa captain Dayaan Cassiem said the squad is eager to make the most of home-ground advantage.
“We are really happy to host it here in South Africa and we will be hoping to make home-ground advantage count in our favour. The preparations have been going very well, and we are looking forward to challenging France in our opening match.”
Ranked 13th in the world, South Africa faces a stern opening challenge against a French side ranked three places higher. The competition features a strong international field, with South Africa joined by France, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland and the United States.
Speaking ahead of the event, SA Hockey CEO Phikolomzi Mbuqe said hosting the tournament represents an important moment for the sport locally.
“Hosting the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup in Cape Town is a significant moment for South African hockey. It gives our national team the opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in the world on home soil, while also showcasing the passion and strength of hockey in our country.”
With promotion to the Pro League on the line and memories of their 2022 triumph still fresh, South Africa will be hoping to start their campaign on the right note when they take on France on Thursday.
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