Amsterdam Awaits the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026

The countdown has officially begun for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, and this edition promises to be one of the biggest hockey events Europe has seen in years. Co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium, the tournament will bring together the world’s best hockey nations, thousands of international fans, and an incredible atmosphere across two countries with a deep passion for the sport.

Why the Tournament Matters

Field hockey has always played an important role in both nations. The Dutch national teams are among the most successful in the world, while Belgium’s rise to international dominance has helped grow the sport enormously across Europe. Hosting the tournament together reflects not only their strong hockey culture but also their excellent infrastructure, international accessibility, and vibrant city life.

Visitors travelling for the tournament can expect much more than just world-class matches. The 2026 Hockey World Cup will attract international supporters, families, business travellers, media professionals, and long-stay visitors looking to combine sport with culture and travel. For many guests, this will also be the perfect opportunity to discover cities such as Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Brussels while enjoying the unique atmosphere surrounding the championship.

Where Will the Games Take Place?

The matches in the Netherlands will be played at Wagener Stadium, one of the world’s most iconic hockey venues. Located in Amstelveen, just south of Amsterdam, the stadium is home to the Dutch hockey federation and regularly hosts major international hockey tournaments.

Its central location makes it highly accessible for visitors staying in Amsterdam or Amstelveen during the championship. Thanks to excellent tram, metro, cycling, and road connections, travelling between the city and the stadium is simple and convenient.

Getting to Wagener Stadium from Cityden Aparthotels

For guests staying at Cityden Stadshart:

• Public transport: approximately 10–15 minutes
• By bicycle: approximately 8–10 minutes
• Walking: approximately 25–30 minutes
  

For guests staying at Cityden Zuidas:

• Public transport: approximately 20–25 minutes
• By bicycle: approximately 15–20 minutes
• Walking: approximately 60–70 minutes
  

Both locations offer a comfortable alternative to staying directly in the crowded city centre while remaining well connected to the tournament venue. Especially during large international events, many travellers prefer aparthotels and serviced apartments for the additional space, flexibility, and quieter residential atmosphere.

Discover Amsterdam During the World Cup

Amsterdam is expected to become one of the main travel hubs during the tournament. The city offers a perfect mix of culture, nightlife, international dining, museums, and easy transport connections to Belgium and other Dutch cities. Visitors can spend their mornings exploring the canals or visiting iconic places such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum before heading to an evening hockey match or enjoying the lively terraces and cafés spread throughout the city.

One of the major advantages of this World Cup is how easy it is to travel between the Netherlands and Belgium. High-speed rail connections make it easy to combine multiple destinations into a single trip, allowing travellers to experience different cities during their stay. This flexibility makes the tournament particularly attractive for long-stay visitors, remote workers, and business travellers who want to combine work and leisure while attending the event.

Where to Stay During the Tournament

Accommodation demand is expected to rise significantly during the championship, especially in Amsterdam. For many travellers, serviced apartments and aparthotels offer a more flexible and comfortable option than traditional hotels. Having additional living space, kitchen facilities, and the possibility to stay longer creates a far more relaxed experience during large international sporting events. This is especially useful for families, groups of friends, or visitors attending multiple matches across different cities.

Aparthotels in Amsterdam have become increasingly popular because they combine hotel comfort with the convenience of apartment living. Guests can enjoy more freedom, flexible schedules, and residential-style neighbourhood experiences while still benefiting from hospitality services. During a busy international event like the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, this type of accommodation can make a significant difference for travellers looking for both comfort and convenience.

Experience Amsterdam Like a Local

For visitors wanting to experience Amsterdam beyond the tourist hotspots, the city also offers countless local neighbourhoods and hidden gems. Areas such as Amsterdam-West, De Pijp, and Oud-Zuid provide a more authentic atmosphere filled with independent cafés, boutique shops, local markets, and creative spaces. Early morning walks through the Vondelpark or relaxed evenings along the canals allow visitors to experience the city at their own pace.

This local style of travelling fits perfectly with the growing popularity of long-stay Amsterdam experiences, where travellers increasingly look for comfort, flexibility, and a stronger connection to the neighbourhoods they visit.

Stay with Cityden Aparthotels

For travellers seeking stylish, comfortable serviced apartments in Amsterdam during the tournament, Cityden Aparthotels offers the ideal blend of apartment freedom and hotel service. Inspired by Amsterdam neighbourhood culture, Cityden provides spacious apartments designed for short and long stays, making them particularly suitable for sports fans, business travellers, families, and international guests.

Their welcoming atmosphere, flexible accommodation options, and strong connection to local city life perfectly reflect the modern travel experience many visitors are looking for today.

Final Thoughts

The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 will be much more than a sporting event. It will become a celebration of international culture, travel, and connection across two dynamic European countries. For visitors planning to experience the tournament, combining hockey with a longer stay in Amsterdam is one of the best ways to enjoy everything the Netherlands and Belgium have to offer.

And for those searching for a stylish and flexible place to stay, Cityden Aparthotels offers the perfect base to discover the city, enjoy the tournament, and live in Amsterdam at your own pace.