Who can stop the Netherlands? That is the challenge for the seven other nations at the women’s EuroHockey Championships as the orange machine go in search of a fifth successive title in Mönchengladbach.
The world number one side begin their drive for five on Saturday afternoon at 14.30 CET when they come up against an Ireland side on a high after FIH Nations Cup silver and promotion to the Pro League this year.
Next on court is the entry of hosts Germany who will face France, playing in their first top tier event in 20 years but boosted by FIH Nations Cup 2 gold this summer. That one is at 17.00 CET.
Then it is the turn of Pool B which begins on Sunday morning with battle between neighbours England – winners in 2015 – and Scotland at 09.15 CET.
And the last sides to make their debut at the event are the Belgian Red Panthers – runners-up in 2023 – and Spain at 11.30 CET.
The format sees each side hoping to negotiate the round-robin group stage with a top two finish and earn a precious semi-final spot and onward to the medal rounds.
** Watch every match from the tournament live on www.eurohockeytv.org.
Pool A
France
- World ranking: 17
- EuroHockey Championship appearances: 7
- Best finish: 7th (1995)
Preview: https://eurohockey.org/france-back-in-top-tier-after-20-years-wait
Germany
- World ranking: 6
- EuroHockey Championship appearances: 16
- Best finish: Winners (2007, 2013)
Preview: https://eurohockey.org/germany-name-fresh-faced-panel-for-womens-euros
Ireland
- World ranking: 11
- EuroHockey Championship appearances: 15
- Best finish: 5th (1984, 2005, 2009, 2019, 2023)
Preview: https://eurohockey.org/semi-final-spot-the-clear-target-for-irish-women
Netherlands
- World ranking: 1
- EuroHockey Championship appearances: 16
- Best finish: Winners – 12 times (1984, 1987, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023)
Preview: https://eurohockey.org/reigning-dutch-champions-going-for-fifth-successive-womens-euro-title
Pool B
Belgium
- World ranking: 3
- EuroHockey Championship appearances: 12
- Best finish: Silver (2017, 2023)
Preview: https://eurohockey.org/red-panthers-looking-to-continue-rise-with-eurohockey-championship-panel
England
- World ranking: 8
- EuroHockey Championship appearances: 16
- Best finish: Winners (1991, 2015)
Preview: https://eurohockey.org/owsley-hoping-for-seventh-heaven-as-england-women-name-panel
Scotland
- World ranking: 15
- EuroHockey Championship appearances: 13
- Best finish: 5th (1991)
Preview: https://eurohockey.org/evolving-tartan-hearts-able-to-draw-on-robertson-experience
Spain
- World ranking: 7
- EuroHockey Championship appearances: 16
- Best finish: 2nd (1995, 2003)
Preview: https://eurohockey.org/spanish-women-on-the-hunt-for-world-cup-2026-ticket
