Hockey World Cup 2026: RTÉ2 HD to Show Free-to-Air Coverage

Irish hockey fans have a big reason to look forward to 2026. RTÉ2 HD will be the free-to-air home of the Hockey World Cup, bringing every moment of the tournament into living rooms across the country. The confirmation is a welcome boost for the sport, which has long been a passionate but understated part of the Irish sporting landscape.

A fixture for the global game

The Hockey World Cup is the pinnacle of international field hockey, organised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and staged every four years. The 2026 edition will be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, two nations with a rich history in the sport. Both countries regularly feature among the world's elite, and their co-hosting role should guarantee intense atmospheres and high-quality hockey.

For those unfamiliar with the game, hockey is a rapid, technical sport that rewards precision and teamwork. The world's best players will descend on the host cities to battle for the ultimate prize, with penalty corners and penalty strokes often providing the most dramatic moments. The tournament format sees teams split into groups, with the knockout stages culminating in a final that promises to be unmissable.

When and where to watch

RTÉ2 HD's coverage will make sure Irish viewers don't miss a second. While the exact match schedule and kick-off times have yet to be released, the broadcaster is expected to offer comprehensive coverage, including live matches, pre- and post-match analysis, and highlights packages. Typically, the tournament runs across a fortnight in the summer, so fans can plan their viewing accordingly.

We'll update this page with the full TV guide as soon as RTÉ announces the schedule. In the meantime, hockey followers should set their calendars and prepare to be entertained.

What it means for Irish sport

This announcement is about more than just television listings. Having the Hockey World Cup on free-to-air RTÉ2 HD is a significant step for the sport's visibility in Ireland. It opens the door for a new audience to fall in love with hockey, and for young players, it's a chance to see the best in the world performing on the biggest stage.

With Belgium and Netherlands as hosts, the 2026 event is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent memory. As the tournament draws closer, expect more details on broadcast times, team lineups, and the road to the final. For now, Irish fans can simply look forward to a spectacular summer of hockey, all on RTÉ2 HD.