Scotland women qualify for FIH World Cup for first time since 2002
Scotland women defeated Italy 1-0 to book a spot at the FIH World Cup the first time since 2002. The historic victory came in the third place playoff at the FIH World Cup Qualifiers on Saturday in Hyderabad, India.
Amy Costello got Scotland off to a great start when she smashed a penalty corner strike into the bottom right corner to make it 1-0.
The Scots dominated the opening quarter and nearly went 2-0 ahead when Katherine Holdgate fashioned an opportunity late in the quarter, but a solid save denied her the goal.
In the second quarter, Fiona Burnet was next to come close to doubling Scotland’s advantage when she latched onto a lovely pass from Heather McEwan, but the final effort fizzed wide of the left post from a tight angle.
Costello almost found the top right corner with a drag flick but it sailed just wide of the mark.
The second half saw Scotland continue to dominate the play but the best chance of the third quarter went to Italy. Federica Carta unleashed a ferocious drag flick that seemed certain for the bottom left corner, but Jess Buchanan produced a simply outstanding save to deny the goal.
The final quarter was a tense affair with Italy throwing everything they could into the match, but Scotland was comfortable and saw the game out to claim victory and a place in the FIH World Cup for the first time since 2002.

05 Korea v Scotland (Pool B)
Picture: line up for the national anthem prior to the match
COPYRIGHT WORLDSPORTPICS RODRIGO JARAMILLO
Recent posts:
- Scottish Hockey celebrates outstanding achievements at 2026 Awards
- 2026-27 Cup Draws
- Scotland finish 12th at the FIH World Cup after loss to Japan
- Back-to-back victories for Scotland Women at the FIH World Cup
- Scotland Women Secure Impressive 2-1 Victory Over Ireland at the FIH Hockey World Cup
- Scotland Show Determination Despite 2-0 Defeat to Argentina in Final World Cup Pool Match
- Last chance to secure your place at the 2026 Scottish Hockey Awards!
- Grace Mulholland set to make history at inaugural FIH ParaHockey World Cup
- USA edge out Scotland women to take all three points at the World Cup
- Committed Scotland lose to Germany on return to the women’s FIH World Cup

