Tassie Trio Ready for Hockey World Cup

Published Fri 14 Aug 2026

The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup gets underway this weekend, with Australia’s Kookaburras and Hockeyroos set to begin their campaigns on the world stage.

Tasmania will have three representatives to cheer on, with Josh Beltz, Hayden Beltz and Jack Welch selected in the Kookaburras squad for the tournament in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Kookaburras have been drawn in Pool C alongside Ireland, Spain and South Africa, beginning their campaign against Ireland on Sunday evening.

With all three pool matches falling at favourable viewing times in Tasmania, there will be plenty of opportunities to watch the Tasmanian trio in action.

Australian hockey fans will be able to follow both teams throughout the tournament, with every Kookaburras and Hockeyroos match available live and free on 7plus, while replays will also be broadcast on 7mate.

Hockey Tasmania wishes Josh, Hayden and Jack, along with both Australian teams, the very best as they chase World Cup glory.

Kookaburras – Pool C

Australia v Ireland
Sunday 16 August – 7:30pm AEST

Australia v Spain
Tuesday 18 August – 10:00pm AEST

Australia v South Africa
Thursday 20 August – 7:00pm AEST

The Hockeyroos will also begin their World Cup campaign this weekend, opening against Japan on Saturday evening before taking on hosts the Netherlands and Chile.