Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 Schedule

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has officially announced the full schedule for the 2025 Junior Hockey World Cup, confirming that the tournament will take place from 28 November to 10 December across two major venues in Tamil Nadu, India. This edition marks a historic moment for global hockey, as the event expands to 24 participating nations for the first time, bringing an unprecedented level of diversity and competitiveness to the junior stage.

According to the schedule, the competition will be held in Chennai’s Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium and Madurai International Hockey Stadium, both of which have undergone significant upgrades to meet international standards. The expanded format divides the 24 teams into six pools of four, creating a tightly packed match calendar with crucial fixtures scheduled from the very first day. Each team will play three group-stage matches, and only the six group winners will automatically advance to the quarterfinals. The remaining two knockout spots will be filled by the best second-placed teams, meaning goal difference and consistency will play an outsized role in determining advancement.

The opening day on 28 November will feature a grand cultural ceremony followed by the host nation, India, taking the field for their first Pool B match. The home side’s group includes Chile, Oman, and Switzerland, setting the stage for a competitive challenge despite strong home support. Meanwhile, other pools promise heavyweight clashes as early as the first week, with traditional powerhouses such as Germany, Argentina, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Australia preparing for intense group battles against emerging hockey nations.

The tournament’s structure will see the entire group stage completed within four days, placing immense pressure on fitness management and rotation strategies. Teams will have only a single rest day before the quarterfinals begin, followed by classification matches, semifinals, and the championship final on 10 December. Coaches have acknowledged that the compressed schedule leaves little room for error and will test squad depth as much as tactical execution.

The excitement surrounding the schedule release reflects the global anticipation for this expanded edition of the Junior World Cup. Scouts, analysts, and national federations are expected to closely monitor performances, as many of today’s junior athletes will go on to represent their countries in senior World Cups and Olympic Games. With a demanding schedule, world-class venues, and a record number of teams, the 2025 Junior Hockey World Cup is poised to deliver one of the most dynamic and competitive tournaments in the event’s history.