Program

Match Schedule
WMH is responsible for the WMH 2026 World Cup Rotterdam match schedule. You can find it here.

Opening ceremony Rotterdam

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
• All 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).

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. More information about the participation of teams and officials to follow.
From 8 PM the Wrap Party kicks off 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 Wrap Party: 18+.