Hockeyroos leave Chile as World Cup qualifiers

The Hockeyroos have secured their place at the 2026 FIH World Cup, achieving the primary objective of their campaign in Santiago and continuing Australia’s proud tradition of competing on the sport’s biggest stage. 

Qualification was the clear focus heading into the tournament, and despite falling just short in the final, the team leaves Chile with their ticket to August’s global showpiece firmly in hand.

The Hockeyroos, who include a number of New South Wales Institute of Sport scholarship holders in their ranks, including Mariah Williams, Greta Hayes, Grace Stewart, Alice Arnott, Makayla Jones and Alana Kavanagh, have fallen just short against Chile in the final of the FIH 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, bowing out against the hosts with world cup qualifications in their hands.

In what was a tight tussle, the Hockeyroos were unable to answer back to Chile after an early goal in the 7th minute from Antonia Irazoqui.

The Hockeyroos leave Chile however with their heads held high after qualifying for the 2026 FIH World Cup, a goal that has been a major focus since the appointment of head coach Rhett Halkett back in October of 2025.

In reflection of the performance in Chile by his side, Halkett said the side rode the ups and downs along the way and now can set their sights on their next chapter – the World Cup.

“We designed the program to ensure that the World Cup Qualifiers were the priority. We suffered some selection injuries but the growing depth and strength of our squad proved that we could still get the job done,” Halkett said.

“Qualifiers are intense tournaments, the players have handled themselves extremely well and continue to develop the skills required to compete. It’s been fantastic to watch the group learn tough lessons and evolve with each performance.” 

“We understand that there is a lot of work ahead of us as we prepare for the Pro League in June and ultimately, the World Cup in August.”

The group will return to Perth shifting their attention to Pro League in June where they will face the world’s best in the lead up to the World Cup later in August.

Final Score: Chile 1 – Australia 0

Goal Scorers:
Antonia Irazoqui – 7th Minute (FG). 

Hockey Australia