The England-Wales joint bid to host the Hockey World Cup

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England and Wales have launched a joint bid to host the Hockey World Cup in 2026, with a proposed plan that includes 4 venues, which includes the stadium of Tottenham Hotspur. The last edition of the event held in UK was in 1986. To host the event, England-Wales must outbid Germany and South Africa, and the hosts are to be announced in November. Wales captain Rupert Shipperley feels the opportunity to host the World Cup would change the face of hockey in his home country, with the team having an opportunity to play before an audience larger than ever before. Moreover, Wales have played at the World Cup only once in 1983, at the women’s event. The men’s team have qualified for their first World Cup in India in January.

Goalkeeper Toby Reynolds-Cotterill, whose saves were key to Wales’ qualification to the World Cup, is also hopeful of being the host nation and the home support it would consequently draw. According to chief executive of England Hockey, Nick Pink, hosting the World Cup would help to also bring hockey at par with football and rugby, which has a pan UK presence. He feels that the opportunity to host international hockey matches in a city like Cardiff, would be invaluable in garnering Welsh support for the game, and in ensuring its widespread adoption, and survival in future generations.