KUALA LUMPUR – The United States men’s field hockey team has officially pulled out of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifier in Ismailia, Egypt, after receiving a safety advisory from the US Department of State.
On March 3, 2026, the advisory urged all US citizens to leave areas in or near conflict zones, including Egypt. In response, the US team departed Egypt today with the full backing of the FIH.
“The safety of players, coaches, and staff is our top priority,” said the FIH in an official statement.
While the results of the USA’s first three matches will stand, the team will no longer participate in any classification matches, and all their remaining fixtures have been cancelled.
The US team faced a difficult campaign, starting with a 3-1 loss to host nation Egypt on March 1. This was followed by a 4-0 defeat to Japan on March 2, and a 5-0 loss to England yesterday, leaving them without a win in the group stage.
As a result of the withdrawal, the US will not take part in the crucial classification matches, which decide final standings and qualification spots for the World Cup.
The Ismailia qualifier features eight teams competing for a spot at the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, which will be held from August 15 to 30 in Belgium and the Netherlands. Teams are divided into two pools, with the top three from each group earning automatic qualification. Additionally, the best fourth-placed team across the two qualifiers – one in Egypt and the other in Santiago, Chile – will also secure a World Cup berth.
Despite the US withdrawal, the tournament will continue, with classification rounds and finals set to proceed for the remaining teams. The FIH said it will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safe and smooth completion of the event. – March 5, 2026