FAQ

All games are from Thursday July 23rd until Saturday August 1st: 10 days full of hockeyfun!

WMH is responsible for the WMH 2026 World Cup Rotterdam match schedule. You can find it in Altius and here.

All matches of WMH 2026 World Championships Rotterdam for O45, O50 and IMC O35-O50 are played across the two locations at HC Rotterdam and HV Victoria. 

The WMH strives to plan the matches of the national teams at the same venue as much as possible each day, so that it is easy to cheer each other on. You can find the matchschedule over here.

All information about addresses and directions can be found here

From Monday July 20th to Wednesday July 22nd the trainingfacilities at both HC Rotterdam and HV Victoria are limited due to summer camps. The waterbased pitches will be available from 17:00 hrs.

Fortunately there are clubs nearby that offer their waterbased pitches for practises during the day. 

Bookings can be made via our fanshop

Entrance to watch the matches is free. Please invite as many family & friends as you like.

Livestreams

Unable to come and enjoy the fun at the venues? Check the 2026 WMH World Cup livestreams of Sportway.

Choose the pass that works for you:

🎟️ Venue Pass – €20

Full access to one specific venue

🎟️ All Access Pass – €50

Full access to matches across all four venues

Whether you’re supporting from home, following your team overseas or staying connected to the global Masters Hockey family, you won’t have to miss a moment.

Purchase your pass here

No shuttle service is provided between the two venues.

Parking

We expect that many teams have their own transport. At both venues is a large carparking available at no costs. Parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis and is at own risk.

Buses

Parking of large vehicles like buses has to be communicated through [email protected]

Public transport

Find more information about planning your trip with public transport or shared transport at 9292 or more local: RET.

In The Netherlands you can check in, check out and pay with your debitcard, creditcard or mobile device. More information over here.

UMOB

Additionally there is a wide range of shared transport available in the form of scooters and bicycles. There's a hub on the venue at HC Rotterdam and close to the venue of HV Victoria. 

Check UMOB.

Please be aware of a major road closure in Rotterdam during the tournament. From Friday 24 July at 10:00 PM until Friday 7 August at 5:00 AM the A20 motorway towards Gouda will be completely closed between the Kleinpolderplein and Terbregseplein interchanges. The Overschie (13) and Centrum (14) entry ramps will also be closed.

In the opposite direction, towards Hoek van Holland, the A20 will remain open but with more narrow lanes and a reduced speed limit of 70 km/h. One lane may also be closed at night.

Travelling between the venues

These roadworks may cause significant delays when travelling between HC Rotterdam, HV Victoria and HC Schiedam, particularly when travelling from HC Schiedam towards HC Rotterdam or HV Victoria. Please allow 30 to 60 minutes of additional travel time.

Travelling from The Hague

Teams travelling from The Hague towards HC Rotterdam or HV Victoria should expect delays around the A13 and Kleinpolderplein. 

Do not rely on your usual route via the A20. Depending on current traffic conditions, you may be redirected around the southern side of Rotterdam via the A4, A15 and A16.

Check your live navigation

Always switch on live navigation before departure, even when you already know the route. Traffic conditions and diversion routes may change throughout the day.

For English-language navigation and live traffic updates, we recommend using Google Maps or Waze. Both apps provide real-time traffic information, road-closure updates and alternative routes in English. 

Please continue following the live instructions during your journey rather than selecting a route in advance.

Roadside information panels may also direct traffic towards alternative routes during periods of heavy congestion. Please leave early and check your expected arrival time before every journey.

Both clubs are open daily from 7:00 AM. 

On match days, the venues usually close at around 10:00 PM. However, if teams are still enjoying the evening together, we may stay open a little longer.

Different closing times apply on the days of the Opening Ceremony, Wrap party and social events.

The Opening Ceremony of the 2026 WMH World Cup Rotterdam will take place on Wednesday 22 July 2026, at HC Rotterdam. 

The ceremony begins at 8 PM with a welcome by the Master of Ceremonies (MC), followed by the Parade of Nations, during which each participating country is represented by one flag bearer and each team is represented by two persons. 

The MC will announce all representatives on the field. Tournament officials will then enter the field. During the formal ceremony, the WMH-representative will officially open the tournament with a welcome address. After the ceremony there is time to socialize at the Masters Plaza.

Program

• 6 PM Arrival of guests and teams at the Masters Plaza at HC Rotterdam.    
• There’s a special Openingbuffet for € 32,50, limited to 850 persons. Please ensure to book ahead in our fanshop. 
• 7.30 PM Opening stadium
• 8 PM Start Opening Ceremony
• 8.45 PM Official welcome & speeches
• 9 PM End Opening Ceremony

Information

• One representative from each country is the ‘flag bearer ‘ –  chosen by that country. Flags are present.

• Two representatives from each country– chosen by that country. 

-  Dresscode: off field uniform or something that represents your contry

• These representatives are kindly ask to report at 7.30 PM on pitch 6 (opposite of the entrance of the clubhouse).

• The fleagbearer and representatives are announced (on alphabetical order by country) onto the pitch by the MC. 

• Please inform us in advance the names of representatives and the flag bearers to [email protected].

• Unfortunately tickets to the ceremony were not available on the webshop as previously advised. Our stadium has enough capacity to accommodate 25 people from each participating team. If your group remains within this number, you are very welcome to attend. If you expect to bring over 30 spectators, please let us know at [email protected].

• Please note: HC Schiedam will host its own Opening Ceremony on July 22nd

• Closing ceremony August 1st at 6PM (more information to follow).

Every day, we do our best to create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for teams, loyal supporters and visitors. Background music will be played throughout the day and evening, while our social events will feature a live DJ playing a lively set.

Opening Ceremony - HC Rotterdam

More information about the Opening Ceremony is stated in a separate FAQ

Social Event – HC Rotterdam

On Sunday 26 July, a DJ will be playing at Masters Plaza from 6:00 PM.

The team meal will be a Pasta Pesto Buffet, featuring a variety of delicious dishes. Grab a bite and book your team meal here.

Admission is free, everyone is welcome and there is no dress code.

Social Event – HV Victoria

For the teams that preferred an early night on Sunday ahead of their matches, we will do it all over again at HV Victoria on Monday 27 July. A DJ will be playing at Masters Plaza from 6:00 PM.

The team meal will be a Chicken Delight Buffet, featuring a variety of delicious dishes, including vegetarian options. Book your team meal here.

Admission is free, everyone is welcome and there is no dress code.

Closing Ceremony and Wrap Party - HC Rotterdam

Once the final whistle has sounded, all medals have been presented and the hockey sticks are back in the bags, it will be time for a festive conclusion to the 2026 WMH World Cup Rotterdam.

The Closing Ceremony will take place at HC Rotterdam on Saturday 1 August at 6:00 PM, followed by the Wrap Party with a live band and DJ. Join us for one final celebration before it is truly time to say goodbye.

The team meal of the day will be The Big BBQ.  Book your team meal here.

Admission is free. No dresscode. Age restriction: 18+. 

Team Meals

On all match days it is possible to enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner with your team at either venue. You can also join us for a tasty meal for the opening ceremony and wrap party at HC Rotterdam. The selection is available in our fanshop.

Breakfast: € 15,- pp

Sportslunch: € 20,- pp

Dinner: € 25.- pp

Meals must be booked 48 hours in advance.

Daily Food & Beverages

In addition to these meals, there is a wide selection of sandwiches, salads and snacks available throughout the day. Halal and vegetarian options are available. Options for vegans, coeliacs etc upon request.

Enjoy our club catering facilities

To help us continue providing a high-quality catering service at our clubs, bringing your own food and drinks onto the venue is not permitted. A wide range of food and beverages (also isotonic sportsdrinks) is available in our clubhouse and at the bar. 

Team Gifts

Teams are welcome to exchange gifts and enjoy post-match hospitality. However teams are kindly requested not to bring food or drinks. We truly appreciate the thought and hospitality behind these gestures, but due to venue and catering arrangements, we ask that gifts do not include consumable items.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

The WMH 2026 World Cup in Rotterdam is a cashless event. 

For everything you purchase: use your debit card or ApplePay/SamsungPay. 

We accept all - or at least: most credit cards.

Manage your teamexpenses

Since the tournament will be played at two different venues we can’t offer a system with a clubcard/bracelet for teamexpenses. 

Suggestion: for teams that want to keep track and calculate teamexpenses , convenient apps like ’Splitser’ or ’Splitwise’ are available.

Create a group for your team, add expenses as you go and let the app calculate the final balance. This makes settling shared costs at the end of the tournament quick, clear and hasslefree.

At both venues, six changing rooms are available. On match days, these can be used by teams to prepare before their matches and to shower afterwards. 

A daily changing-room schedule will be drawn up to ensure that all teams playing  can use the facilities. We kindly ask teams to follow this schedule and to leave the changing room clean and tidy for the next team.

At HC Rotterdam goalielockers will be available for rent through our fanshop. At HV Victoria a safe space will be created to store the goalie gear during the nights.

Please note: all matches are played across two locations. If you store your equipment somewhere, please make sure you'll take it to the right venue for your next match.

Injury ice

During the tournament small packs of injury ice are available at no cost. 

At HV Victoria you can get these at the bar. At HC Rotterdam there's a freezer at the ground floor.

Icebaths at HC Rotterdam

At HC Rotterdam, two sets of ice baths (2) are available for teams looking to cool down and recover after their match. 

We will make sure the ice baths are filled with water each morning. After that, they are available on a self-service basis.

• Reservations are not required. 
• A garden hose is available for refilling the baths.
• Ice can be purchased at the information desk. Please order it at least 24 hours in advance to ensure that enough ice is available.

No icebaths at HV Victoria

Unfortunately, ice baths are not available at the HV Victoria venue. However, we have arranged a great partnership with FIT BTQ at Weteringstraat 336 in Rotterdam. These offsite sessions are available for 1 to 4 people, with a choice between icebaths at approx 4°C and 9°C. Prices range from €24,50 for one person to €98 for four people. A ten-session pass is available for €140. 

World Cup Masters participants receive a 15% discount by using the code wkmasters when booking at FITBTQ

Fun fact

Delicious ice lollies and other frozen threats are available at the bar. Another perfect way to cool down after a heated match.

 Thank you for helping us support a safe and enjoyable tournament experience for everyone.

First aid at the venue

If a player, staff member or visitor requires medical assistance during the tournament, please first report to the Medical Post at the venue. This team is present from 8AM-9PM on matchdays

The medical team will assess the situation and advise on the appropriate next step.

For urgent, but non-life-threatening medical problems, the patient may be referred to a General Practitioner or the Out-of-hours GP Service (Huisartsenspoedpost). 

First aid at your accommodation

If you are at your hotel, Airbnb or other accommodation, contact a local General Practitioner (GP / huisarts) during daytime hours. Your hotel reception or accommodation host may be able to help you find a nearby GP. 

You can also contact your travel or medical insurance provider for assistance in finding an appropriate doctor.

When contacting a GP, explain that you are an international visitor temporarily staying in the Netherlands and require medical assistance.

After daytime hours

For urgent medical problems that cannot wait until the next working day, contact an Out-of-hours GP Service (Huisartsenspoedpost / HAP).

Always call the HAP first. Do not visit without contacting them in advance. 

A medical professional will assess your symptoms by telephone and advise you on the appropriate next step. If necessary, an appointment will be arranged.

The correct HAP depends on where you are staying or where you are at the time you need medical assistance. Participants staying in a hotel, Airbnb or other accommodation should find the HAP responsible for their current location.

You can find the nearest Out-of-hours GP Service by using the postcode checker on the Huisartsenposten Rijnmond website. Enter the postcode of your hotel, Airbnb or current accommodation to find the appropriate HAP and telephone number.

At the tournament venues, the nearest HAPs are:

HC Rotterdam

Huisartsenspoedpost Rotterdam Noord

Franciscus Gasthuis, Kleiweg 500

+31 (0)10 4669573

HV Victoria

Huisartsenspoedpost IJsselland

Prins Constantijnweg 2, Capelle aan den IJssel

+31 (0)10 2799262

Please note: these locations may not be the nearest HAP to your hotel or accommodation. Always use your current location or accommodation postcode when looking for the appropriate HAP.

Livethreatening emergency

In a life-threatening emergency, call 112 immediately. The emergency services will determine whether ambulance transport and hospital care are required. 

Please do not travel directly to a hospital Emergency Department (SEH) unless you have been referred by a medical professional or are transported by ambulance.

Doctors and paramedics

Are you a doctor, healthcare professional, or does anyone in your team have a medical background and will be attending the event? If so, we would appreciate it if you could let us know and get in touch with us. 

Nearest medical services

HC Rotterdam - Franciscus Gasthuis, Kleiweg 500, Rotterdam

HV Victoria - IJsselland Ziekenhuis, Prins Constantijnweg 2, Capelle a/d IJssel

Dental emergency

Urgent care? Do nog hesitate to phone Tandartsenpost010 at 010-455 21 55.

Clinic Address: Erasmus MC Emergencies, Dr Molewaterplein 30, Rotterdam.

Check their website

Costs of medical services

The medical route is the same for all participants, regardless of nationality. Any difference mainly concerns insurance and payment arrangements.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

People with a EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) will get care without a need to pay directly (for all normal procedures, including medical emergencies). This also applies to Australians. 

All other nationalities (non-EHIC) might be asked to pay directly after treatment. 

What should I bring?

When visiting a GP, out-of-hours GP service or hospital please bring or have the following information available:

• Passport or valid ID
• EHIC, if applicable
• Travel of medical insurance details
• Insurance policy number
• Emergency assistance telephone number of your insurer
• Information about current medication and relevant medical conditions
• Emergency contact details

Please note: this information is provided for reference only. No rights can be derived from this information.

Evacuation plans

The eventmanagement plan contains procedures for a range of potential incidents. 

Good news: Moira Mahon, a familiar face from several previous editions of the Masters, will be present at the 2026 World Cup in Rotterdam. Moira offers sports massage treatments and sports strapping.

We are also in discussion with other parties. More information will follow once the match schedule has been announced.

Do you need a set-up for recovery treatments by your own physio?

Book a treatment room in the fanshop. Available in 30-minute time slots.

At both venues the treatment areas are located in a tent, separated by privacy screens and equipped with a massage table. Please bring your own cover and leave the area clean after use. 

In our fanshop you can find:

• training facilities & materials
• goalie- and teamlockers
• meals: breakfast. lunch or dinner
• treatment rooms

We're still working on:

• physiotherapy
• sportmassages

The Hockey Centre

We are pleased to have partnered with Simon Mason and The Hockey Centre, a well-known name within the Masters hockey community. The Hockey Centre will be present at the venue of HC Rotterdam during the tournament. You can explore their range of products here. 

During the tournament you’ll be able to shop at the venue. However, pre-ordering is the only way to guarantee your preferred items and sizes are ready for you.

Please note: The 2026 World Masters Hockey World Cup is getting closer, and so is your last chance to secure your official event merchandise from The Hockey Centre before you arrive.

⏰ Pre-orders close on 3rd July.

DAKA Sport

DAKA Sport will be around at HC Rotterdam on July 31st and August 1st. DAKA has also multiple shops in Rotterdam, but the largest hockeydepartment is at the store at the Abraham van Stolkweg 64. 

Clubmerchandise

To take home a Rotterdam souvenir from HC Rotterdam or HV Victoria, both clubs have a fanshop offering club merchandise. Check the venues for opening hours during the tournament.

Both at HC Rotterdam and Victoria only Pitch 1 has a videotower. 

However Sportway, the Official WMH livestream partner, is offering participating teams access to Team Account.

🏑 Review every match

📊 Analyse performances

📱 Coach from the bench or remotely

👥 One account for the whole team

For just €100 (excl. VAT) per team, you'll have access to every tournament game with no per-player fees.

Learn more and download the guide on the website.

The official WMH World Cup livestream platform is now live! Supporters, families, friends and fans around the world can now purchase access to watch the 2026 WMH World Cup live across Rotterdam, Schiedam, Brasschaat and Breda.

Choose the pass that works for you:

🎟️ Venue Pass – €20

Full access to one specific venue

🎟️ All Access Pass – €50

Full access to matches across all four venues

Whether you’re supporting from home, following your team overseas or staying connected to the global Masters Hockey family, you won’t have to miss a moment.

Purchase your pass here

Note:  The 2026 WMHWorld Cup in Rotterdam and Schiedam will be played across 10 pitches. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to show all livestreams inside the clubhouses. We therefore recommend using your own device to watch matches taking place at the other venues.

A limited number of 220V power outlets are available inside the clubhouses at both venues. You may use these to charge your phone, but please bring your own charger and, if needed, a suitable European plug adapter. We also recommend keeping an eye on your device while it is charging.

Chargaway powerbanks at HC Rotterdam

At HC Rotterdam, you can also rent a Chargaway powerbank if you prefer to keep your phone with you while it charges.

Simply tap your bank card or phone at the station, choose your rental period and take a charged powerbank. The powerbanks have Micro USB, USB-C and Lightning connections. Return the powerbank to the station when you have finished to end the rental automatically. 

The applicable rental fee and deposit are shown on the station’s display.

With over 300 matches we can't cover all of them by a single photographer. We'll make sure there will be enough photos to give an impression of the WMH 2026 World Cup in Rotterdam and we're planning on an online photoalbum, with photo's that are free available for you.

NOTE: Professional/commercial photographers need an accreditation. Please send us an email for more information. 

No drones

Please also note that the use of drones is not permitted at either venue, as local regulations prohibit drone operations in these areas due to their location in relation to the airport and nearby motorway.

It is allowed to bring a dog on a leash to our venues. 

We ask you to walk your dog outside the venues. In many places in the Netherlands it is mandatory to clean up dog poop yourself.

Yes, tapwater is of very high quality. You can confidently drink water straight from the tap throughout Rotterdam and the rest of the country.

At both venues, a water bottle filling station is available outside the clubhouse on the ground floor. It can fill up to 12 water bottles at once. Please make sure to bring your own bottles so your team has enough water on the bench during the match. 

Looking for assistance to arrange  accommodation and local transportation?

Please contact our travel partner The Hockey Department