Northampton included in England and Wales bid to host 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup

cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, the home of Northampton Saints, has been included in a bid from England Hockey and Wales Hockey to host the FIH Hockey Men’s Hockey World Cup in 2026.

If the bid is successful, the stadium will host several matches alongside Twickenham Stoop and Cardiff Arms Park, before a Finals Weekend at the 62,850-seater Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) have received competing bids from Germany, South Africa and a joint bid from Belgium/Netherlands, meaning sports fans across the UK (and beyond) are being invited to BACK THE BID by registering their support here.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the Club and for Northampton to be involved in such a prestigious World Cup bid from England Hockey and Wales Hockey,” said Northampton Saints Chief Executive, Mark Darbon.

“There has been great support for international hockey on these shores in recent years, with more than a million tickets sold for events since London 2012.

“We’re delighted to be working alongside West Northamptonshire Council on this project, and the Club would like to encourage our local community in Northampton to BACK THE BID – your support is absolutely essential so we can help to deliver the most impactful hockey event ever seen in the UK.”

England Hockey Chief Executive, Nick Pink, and Hockey Wales Chief Executive, Ria Burrage-Male, added: “We are delighted to share more details of our joint proposal for the 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup.

“Across all of the partners, we are hugely excited about what the bid can do for hockey. All of us within the sport know how amazing hockey is, and by hosting a World Cup on home soil – at Cardiff Arms Park, cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, Twickenham Stoop and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – we would create the opportunity to take hockey to new fans and new cities.

“The event showcases the best the sport has to offer on the pitch, and also creates a platform to build a lasting social impact through the sport across the UK.”

Using the proven portable pitch technology of ‘Big Stadium Hockey’, Northampton would host international hockey matches for the first time with a social impact programme planned to benefit the host communities of the tournament.

Inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability will be at the heart of the events, with England Hockey and Wales Hockey pledging to deliver the biggest Hockey Men’s World Cup ever – more than 300,000 tickets would be available at affordable prices, starting from £5.00.

“The prospect of playing in a Men’s World Cup on home soil is incredible and all of us in our squads are hugely excited about what may lie ahead,” said Zach Wallace and Rupert Shipperley, captain of the England and Wales men’s hockey teams respectively.

“The four stadia that are being proposed are truly inspirational, and on top of that, the event can leave a lasting legacy for the entire sport, helping boys and girls from all backgrounds to see hockey for the amazing, welcoming game it is.”

Cllr Greg Lunn, West Northamptonshire Council’s assistant Cabinet Member for sport and leisure, said: “The council’s priority for improving life chances includes providing healthy opportunities for all and to increase the aspirations for our young people to follow any path no matter where they’re from.

“I hope bringing the world’s top-flight hockey players to Northampton will not only be an inspiration to the next generation, but will also put the town on the map for a new group of international visitors, giving short and long-term economic boosts.”