Men’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier Roster Named
ISMAILIA, Egypt – U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Allan Law has officially named the squad set to take on the program’s biggest task of the year at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier. Scheduled for March 1 to 7 at Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, the Wolves will be chasing history as they aim to secure USA’s first-ever men’s World Cup qualification.
“Selection for this event was highly competitive and reflects the growth and standards our athletes continue to demonstrate,” commented Law. “We have built a versatile, dynamic squad capable of contributing across multiple lines and adapting to the demands of the game. Our objective is clear: improve our world ranking and earn World Cup qualification. After finishing second at the Pan American Cup last summer, we are prepared to compete for a place at the World Cup this summer.”
The selected squad closely mirrors the group that captured silver at the 2025 Pan American Cup, bringing a proven foundation of experience into the tournament. Veterans Ajai Dhadwal, Mohan Gandhi, Pat Harris and Aki Kaeppeler anchor the lineup, while emerging standouts Sekayi Charasika, Wyatt Katz and Michael Mendoza provide a youthful addition. Together, the USA enters the qualifier prepared to meet the challenge and contend with some of the world’s top-ranked teams.
The two traveling reserves are Michael Barminski and Rory Bleeker.
Date | Time ET | Match |
|---|---|---|
Sunday, March 1 | 2:45 PM | Egypt vs USA |
Monday, March 2 | 12:45 PM | Japan vs USA |
Wednesday, March 4 | 12:45 PM | England vs USA |
Friday, March 6 | Semifinals | |
Saturday, March 7 | Final |
Click here to view the full match schedule.
The No. 25 USMNT sits in Pool A with No. 7 England, No. 17 Egypt, and No. 18 Japan. They open with hosts Egypt on Sunday, March 1 at 2:45 p.m. ET, then see Japan on Monday, March 2 at 12:45 p.m. ET. The Wolves wrap up pool play on Wednesday, March 4 against England at 12:45 p.m. before crossovers on Friday, March 6 and placement games on Saturday, March 7. Pool B features No. 13 Malaysia, No. 14 Pakistan, No. 21 Austria, and No. 23 China.
Also starting on March 1 and running until March 8, the other men’s FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier will be taking place in Santiago, Chile. The teams that finish in the top three of each FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier will secure their place at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. The highest ranked team that finishes in fourth between the two men’s qualifiers will also qualify for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
For more information on the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier, visit the event page.
