The Vantage Black Sticks women have protected their place at the FIH World Cup 2026 After an exciting shootout victory on Australia in the decisive match of the 2025 Oceania Cup in Darwin.
After winning the first match 1-0 and losing the second 0-1, it all amounted to last night’s decision maker.
Australia started the stronger side and dominated a large part of the first half with a flurry of circle entry, penalty corners and attacking pressure. Their perseverance was rewarded with a goal in the second quarter, giving them a 0-1 lead during the break.
But the second half told a different story. New Zealand regrerged and came out with renewed energy and intention, creating more power, better connections and various important opportunities. Despite the fact that Australia continues to press hard, goalkeeper Grace O’hanlon had long with crucial rescues, while the defensive unit held firmly under enormous pressure.
The breakthrough came in the last quarter when Jessie Anderson floured from a penalty corner to deliver the scores at 1-1 with just five minutes to play. New Zealand held their nerve to take the game in a shoot-out, where the drama reached its peak.
Olivia Shannon opened the score after he had received a penalty stroke before Grace O’hanlon denied the first attempt by Australia. Hannah Cotter, Riana Pho and Josephine Murray all converted, and when Emma Findlay was polluted by the goalkeeper in the final round, Shannon resumed again. With a place on the World Cup on the line, she threw home quietly to end an unforgettable victory. New Zealand scored all five of their shoot-outs to win the Oceania Cup and book their ticket to the World Cup 2026.
This triumph is even more remarkable in view of the youth and inexperience on the side, with only one player with more than 100 caps and two with more than 50. Against one of the Hockey powerhouses, the Black Sticks women have delivered a result that will be remembered for years.
The Vantage Black Sticks men, despite the fact that they were not already able to claim the series after previous results, started strongly in their last game, with Sam Lane opening the score in the first minute. Australia, however, responded with four unanswered goals to achieve a 1-4 victory.
Although the series did not go their way, the Vantage Black Sticks men also booked their place on the FIH World Cup 2026, because Australia had already qualified via the FIH Pro League.
With both teams now officially qualified for the FIH World Cup 2026, the 2025 Oceania Cup will be remembered as a crucial moment for Hockey New Zealand. Especially for the women’s team, this victory marks a milestone in their journey. Proof that a young, developing group can compete with the very best and comes at the top if it matters the most.
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