After months of anticipation, World Masters Hockey has confirmed the hosts and dates for the 2026 World Cup. SA Masters Hockey Association (SAMHA) is proud to share the official details and outline the selection process for Team South Africa.

World Cup 2026: Hosts and Dates

HC Rotterdam (T1 & T2)

Rotterdam, Netherlands 22 July – 1 August 2026

• Age categories: O35, O40, O45, O50 (Men and Women)

KHC Dragons (T3)

Brasschaat, Belgium 6 – 16 August 2026

• Age categories: O55, O60 (Men); O55, O60, O65, O70 (Women)

BHV Push (T4)

Breda, Netherlands 6 – 16 August 2026

• Age categories: O65, O70, O75, O80 (Men)

About SA Masters Hockey (SAMHA)

SA Masters Hockey is the governing body for masters hockey in South Africa. SAMHA:

• Appoints key personnel and allocates resources
• Selects and registers teams for local and international events
• Manages all associated financial matters
• Ensures centralised, consistent communication across operations

Selection and Trial Process

1. Online Registration (closed)
   • Register intent to trial, IPT and AMI by 25 July
   • Pay non-refundable deposit of R 500
2. Masters Trials
   • August 2025 in Gqeberha for O35s
3. Inter-Provincial Tournaments (IPT) & AMI
   • Masters IPT (O60s) – March 2025, Gqeberha
   • Masters IPT (O35s) – August 2025, Gqeberha
   • African Masters Invitational Series (AMI): 21–23 November 2025, Johannesburg
4. World Cup Squad Announcement
   • Date to be confirmed
5. National Camp
   • Date to be confirmed

Selection Criteria

• Current SAHA membership and club registration
• Active hockey participation
• Valid South African passport or permanent residence
• Meets age criteria by 31 December 2026
• Completion of registration levy
• Attendance at trials, IPT, AMI and camp (unless dispensation granted)

Dispensation Process

Players unable to attend trials or IPT may apply in writing, stating extenuating circumstances. The SAMHA President and Head of International Hockey, in consultation with selectors, will approve or reject requests.

Selection Principles and Committee

The Selection Committee comprises:

• SAMHA President
• Head of International Hockey
• Heads of Selection & Player Affairs

They finalise squads across all age categories, guided by:

• Squad size and positional balance
• Specific skills and team combinations
• Overseas-based player availability
• Injury status and dispensation approvals
• Video footage reviews

Financial Commitment and Estimated Costs

All selected players must commit to the financial plan and deadlines. Key expenses include:

• Tournament levies and registration fees
• Flights (R 15 000–R 21 000)
• Visa (R 1 845)
• Accommodation (12 nights: R 15 000–R 17 000)
• Local transport and sundries
• Team kit and apparel
• Coaching and support staff contributions
• Insurance and administrative costs

Total estimated cost per player: R 42 645–R 50 645

Appointment of Support Teams

Applications for coaches and managers are under review. The Selection Committee will recommend appointments to the SAMHA President. Confirmation of all support staff will follow shortly.

Next Steps & AMI Series Details

By 15 September 2025, SAMHA will publish preliminary squads (18–22 players per age group). Invited players will attend AMI (21–23 November 2025) at venues across Johannesburg:

• St Stithians
• Morningside
• Bryanston High School
• University of Johannesburg
• Linden High School
• Randburg

2025 Key Dates

• 31 August: Final deadline for online registration
• August: Masters trials – Gqeberha (O35s)
• March: Masters IPT – Gqeberha (O60s)
• 15 September: Provisional squads announced
• 21–23 November: AMI Series – Johannesburg

Stay tuned to email, the SAMHA website and social media for detailed schedules and announcements. Best of luck on the journey to World Cup 2026!