With just one month to go until the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 Oman 2025, excitement is reaching fever pitch in the hockey world. From February 17 to 23, Muscat, Oman, will play host to this groundbreaking tournament, marking a significant milestone for emerging hockey nations.
A New Chapter for International Hockey
The FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 represents a fresh opportunity for eight ambitious teams, ranked below the teams playing in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup to make their mark on the international stage. The tournament is more than just a competition; it’s a pathway for these teams to ascend to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup and through it ultimately to the FIH Hockey Pro League, offering them a chance to test their mettle against some of the best in the sport.
The Teams Set to Compete
This inaugural event will see eight teams battling it out for the title and promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in 2026.
Pool A: Egypt, Chile, China, Poland
Pool B: Austria, Oman, Scotland, United States
These teams, hailing from diverse hockey regions, will bring their unique styles and strategies to the field, promising an exhilarating display of hockey.
Tournament Format
The competition kicks off with pool matches, where teams are divided into two groups of four. Each team will play against every other team in their pool, striving to secure a spot in the semi-finals. From there, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the knockout stage, culminating in the grand final on February 23, where the first-ever FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 champion will be crowned.
Oman: A Perfect Host
Oman’s vibrant capital, Muscat, is gearing up to welcome athletes, officials, and fans from around the globe. The nation has been investing in hockey infrastructure and development, having hosted the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers and the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in 2024, making it an ideal venue for such a prestigious event. The local organizing committee, alongside the Oman Hockey Association, has been working tirelessly to ensure a world-class experience for all participants.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram, speaking about the upcoming inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2, said: "The FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 offers a unique opportunity for teams ranked just below the FIH Hockey Nations Cup to showcase their talent in a global competition. This new event enables us to further promote growth and competitiveness within the sport as we bring international exposure to more and more countries around the world. I am sure their performances will not only highlight the skill and talent they possess, but also set a new benchmark for future editions of the competition.
On behalf of FIH, I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman and in particular His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, as well the Local Organising Committee led by the Oman Hockey Federation Chairman, Dr. Marwan Juma Al Juma, for welcoming us once more in their beautiful country."
Rashad Al Fazari of the Oman national team said: "Participating in the inaugural FIH Nations Cup 2 in Oman is a significant moment for us, particularly as we encounter some teams for the first time. Hosting this tournament & Competing before our home crowd fills us with immense pride and motivation."
For more details on the event, including the complete match schedule, click here.
