Chile’s Women’s Hockey Team Secures World Cup Berth After Dramatic Shootout Victory
Santiago, Chile – The Chilean women’s national hockey team, nicknamed “Las Diablas,” have qualified for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands, following a nail-biting shootout victory over Japan on Saturday, March 7th, 2026. The match, played at the Centro de Entrenamientos y Competencias Claudia Schüler at Parque Estadio Nacional in Santiago, ended in a 1-1 draw before Chile prevailed 2-0 in the penalty shootout. This marks Chile’s second consecutive appearance in the Hockey World Cup, building on their historic qualification in 2022. The win also secures their place in the final of the Qualifiers Santiago 2026, where they will face Australia on Sunday.
The victory was particularly dramatic, as Chile equalized against Japan in the final minute of the fourth quarter, forcing the game into the shootout. The team’s resilience and composure under pressure were key to their success. The atmosphere at the Centro de Entrenamientos y Competencias Claudia Schüler was electric, with a large and enthusiastic crowd supporting Las Diablas throughout the match. Tickets for the Qualifiers were available through the Fever platform, with some remaining available as of midday on Saturday, March 7th, according to reports. Latercera detailed the event and viewing options.
A Hard-Fought Semifinal Clash
The match against Japan, ranked 12th in the world by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), presented a significant challenge for the Chilean team, currently ranked 15th. Sakura Japan’s official website reported the 1-1 draw and shootout loss. Japan took the lead during the first quarter, putting pressure on the Chilean side. Though, the Chilean team, led by coach Cristóbal Rodríguez, fought back relentlessly, spurred on by the home crowd. Doménica Ananías’s crucial goal in the dying moments of the game leveled the score and sent the match to a shootout.
In the shootout, Chilean goalkeeper Natalia Salvador proved to be the hero, making key saves that ultimately secured the victory. Salvador’s performance was instrumental in Chile’s 2-0 shootout win. The team’s ability to perform under pressure, particularly in the shootout, demonstrated their mental fortitude and technical skill. The win was described as “agónico” (agonizing) by Chilean media, reflecting the dramatic nature of the contest.
Path to Qualification and Future Prospects
This qualification represents a significant achievement for Chilean women’s hockey, demonstrating the growing strength and competitiveness of the sport in the country. Had Chile lost to Japan, they would have had another opportunity to qualify for the World Cup through the third-place match on Sunday, facing the loser of the Ireland versus Australia semi-final. However, their victory over Japan has secured their spot in the tournament, eliminating the require for the third-place playoff.
The team’s success is a testament to the dedication of the players, the coaching staff, and the support of the Chilean hockey federation. The qualification for the World Cup is expected to further boost the popularity of the sport in Chile and inspire a new generation of hockey players. The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup will be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands in August, providing Las Diablas with a platform to compete against the world’s best teams.
¡MUNDIALISTAAAAAS! 😍😍😍
El Team Chile 🇨🇱 de Hockey Césped Femenino 🏑 logró su segunda clasificación consecutiva a un Mundial, luego de superar a Japón en una DRAMÁTICA definición a penales en las semifinales de los Qualifiers de Santiago.
Luego de igualar 1-1 en el tiempo…— Team Chile (@TeamChile_COCH) March 8, 2026
Celebrations and Reactions
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations among the players and fans. Social media was flooded with messages of congratulations and support for Las Diablas. The Chilean Olympic Committee (Team Chile) shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), expressing their pride in the team’s achievement. Chilevision reported on the historic triumph, highlighting the team’s journey to qualification.
The team’s success is not only a sporting achievement but also a source of national pride for Chile. The qualification for the World Cup is a testament to the country’s growing presence on the international sporting stage. The players’ dedication and perseverance have inspired fans across the nation, and their achievement is a reminder of the power of teamwork and determination.
What’s Next for Las Diablas?
Following their victory over Japan, Las Diablas will now face Australia in the final of the Qualifiers Santiago 2026 on Sunday. While already qualified for the World Cup, the final presents an opportunity to secure a top seeding in the tournament. The match will be another challenging test for the Chilean team, as Australia is a highly-ranked and experienced hockey nation. Regardless of the outcome of the final, Las Diablas have already achieved a historic milestone and secured their place among the world’s elite hockey teams.
The team will now focus on preparing for the FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, where they will face tough competition from the world’s leading hockey nations. The tournament will provide a valuable opportunity for Chile to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level. The qualification for the World Cup is a significant step forward for Chilean women’s hockey, and the team is poised to make a lasting impact on the international stage.
The next confirmed event is the final match against Australia on Sunday, March 9th, 2026, at the Centro de Entrenamientos y Competencias Claudia Schüler. Fans are encouraged to follow Team Chile’s official channels for updates and further information about the team’s preparations for the World Cup.
What are your thoughts on Chile’s incredible victory? Share your comments below and let us know what you think of Las Diablas’ chances at the World Cup!