Field hockey is one of the oldest and most popular team sports in the world. It is played by two teams of 11 players each, who use sticks to hit a hard ball into the opponent’s goal. The game is fast-paced, skilful, and exciting to watch. Check the Top 10 Ranked Team of Men’s Field Hockey in the World.
The governing body for hockey is the International Hockey Federation (FIH), they organize various tournaments and events for the national teams. The FIH also maintains a ranking system for men’s and women’s field hockey teams, based on their performance and results in the past four years.
Top 10 Ranked Team of Men’s Field Hockey in the World
The ranking system was introduced in 2003, and it has undergone several changes over the years. The current system, which was implemented in 2020, is based on a match-by-match calculation. It is similar to the ones used in rugby union and association football.
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However, the ranking points are awarded or deducted depending on the outcome of each match, the importance of the tournament, and the relative strength of the opponents. However, every match updates the ranking points, which reflect the current form and level of the teams. As of 4 August 2023, the rankings are as follows:
10. Korea
Korea is in 10th position in the world of men’s field hockey, with 2006.17 points as of 2023. With a rich and proud history in the sport, it made its debut in the 1948 Olympics and has participated in every edition since 1988.
Moreover, Korea won two Olympic medals, a silver in 2000 and a bronze in 2012. The team has also clinched two Champions Trophy medals, a silver in 1999 and a bronze in 2009. Also, it is the most successful team in the history of the Asian Champions Trophy. They won the title four times in 2011, 2013, 2016 and 2018.
| Last Match | 9 August 2023 |
| Federation | Asian Hockey Federation |
| Points | 2006.17 |
9. Malaysia
Malaysia men’s hockey team made their debut in the Hockey World Cup in 1973, where they finished 11th out of 12 teams. However, they improved their performance in the next edition in 1975. They stunned the world by reaching the semi-finals and finishing fourth. Moreover, this was their best result ever in the Hockey World Cup, they became the first Asian team to achieve such a feat.
They also qualified for the Olympic Games for the first time in 1976, where they finished ninth. Malaysia’s men’s hockey team has also been a dominant force in the Asian Games, where they have won three silver medals (1974, 1990, and 2010) and four bronze medals.
| Last Match | 9 August 2023 |
| Federation | Asian Hockey Federation |
| Points | 2020.41 |
8. Argentina
Argentina is the eighth-ranked team in the world, with 2350.07 points. The Argentine team is the reigning Olympic champion, having won the gold medal in 2016. Argentina also won the Champions Trophy in 2016 and finished third in the World Cup in 2014 and 2018.
However, Argentina is the dominant force in Pan American hockey, having won seven Pan American Games titles (in 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2011, 2015, and 2019) and nine Pan American Cup titles (in 2000, 2001, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2021).
| Last Match | 19 July 2023 |
| Federation | Pan American Hockey Federation |
| Points | 2350.07 |
7. Spain
Spain is the seventh-ranked team in the world, with 2492.91 points. The Spanish team has a long and successful history in international hockey, having won one Olympic silver medal (in 1980), two Olympic bronze medals (in 1960 and 1996), one World Cup title (in 1971), four European Championships (in 1974, 1987, 1991, and 2005), and one Champions Trophy title (in 2004).
Moreover, Frederic Soyez, a former French international has been in charge of the Spanish team since 2016. Spain is popular for its technical and tactical style of play, with a combination of skill, speed, and teamwork.
| Last Match | 30 July 2023 |
| Federation | European Hockey Federation |
| Points | 2492.91 |
6. Australia
Australia is the sixth-ranked team in the world, with 2607.65 points. The Australian team is one of the most formidable and competitive teams in international hockey. They have won one Olympic gold medal (in 2004), three World Cup titles (in 1986, 2010, and 2014), ten Champions Trophy titles (in 1983, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1999, 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2012).
Also, they have won two Hockey Pro League titles (in 2020 and 2021), and six Commonwealth Games titles (in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022). However, Australia is known for its aggressive and physical approach to the game, with a high press, a fast transition, and a powerful shot.
| Last Match | 25 July 2023 |
| Federation | Oceania Hockey Federation |
| Points | 2607.65 |
5. Germany
Germany is the fifth-ranked team in the world, with 2680.04 points. The German team is one of the most consistent and successful teams in international hockey, having won four Olympic gold medals (in 1972, 1992, 2008, and 2012), and two World Cup titles (in 2002 and 2006). Also, eight European Championships (in 1970, 1978, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2011, and 2013), and ten Champions Trophy titles (in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2007, and 2014).
Additionally, Kais al Saadi is the coach of Germany. He is a former German international who won two Olympic gold medals (in 2008 and 2012) and one World Cup title (in 2006) as a player. Al Saadi has been leading the German team since 2019.
| Last Match | 5 July 2023 |
| Federation | European Hockey Federation |
| Points | 2680.04 |
4. India
India is the fourth-ranked team in the world, with 2762.74 points. It’s known for its fast and skilful brand of hockey, with a flair for dribbling, passing, and scoring. Nevertheless, the Indian team holds the record for the most successful Olympic performance, securing a remarkable eight gold medals (in 1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1964, and 1980).
Also, India won the World Cup in 1975 and has been a dominant force in Asian hockey. Winning three Asian Games titles (in 1966, 1998, and 2014), three Asia Cup titles (in 2003, 2007, and 2017), and three Asian Champions Trophy titles (in 2011, 2016, and 2018). Coached by Graham Reid, a former Australian international who won numerous titles as a player.
| Last Match | 9 August 2023 |
| Federation | Asian Hockey Federation |
| Points | 2762.74 |
3. England
England is the third-ranked team in the world, with 2763.50 points. The English team has a rich tradition in field hockey, having won three Olympic gold medals (in 1908, 1920, and 1988), two World Cup titles (in 1973 and 1986), nine European Championships (in 1970, 1974, 1978, 1987, 2009, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2023), and two Champions Trophy titles (in 1984 and 1986).
However, a balanced and disciplined style of play is the key for England, with a blend of experience and youth, skill and speed, and flair and grit. Moreover, Danny Kerry, a former England and Great Britain international has been in charge of the men’s team since 2018.
| Last Match | 30 July 2023 |
| Federation | European Hockey Federation |
| Points | 2763.50 |
2. Belgium
Belgium is the second-ranked team in the world, with 2917.87 points. The Belgian team has risen to prominence in recent years, becoming one of the most formidable forces in international hockey. The Red Lions have won one Olympic gold medal (in 2021), one World Cup title (in 2018), two European Championships (in 2019 and 2021), one Champions Trophy title (in 2018), and one Hockey Pro League title (in 2019).
Belgium showcased its physical and tactical approach to the game, with a solid defence, a dynamic midfield, and a lethal attack. Furthermore, Shane McLeod is the current coach, a former New Zealand international who took over the reins in 2015.
| Last Match | 4 July 2023 |
| Federation | European Hockey Federation |
| Points | 2917.87 |
1. Netherlands
The Netherlands is the current leader of the men’s field hockey ranking, with 3095.90 points. The Dutch team has a long and illustrious history in the sport. They have won three Olympic gold medals (in 1996, 2000, and 2020), four World Cup titles (in 1973, 1990, 1998, and 2014), nine European Championships (in 1970, 1983, 1987, 2007, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023), and eight Champions Trophy titles (in 1981, 1982, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2006).
The Netherlands showcases an attractive and attacking style of play, relying on passing, possession, and creativity. Further, Max Caldas is the coach of the Netherlands, a former Argentine international who has been in charge of the men’s team since 2014.
| Last Match | 30 July 2023 |
| Federation | European Hockey Federation |
| Points | 3095.90 |
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