Ireland's women must plan for the forthcoming World Cup without distinguished goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran, who has been ruled out through injury. McFerran was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2018 World Cup, where Ireland were silver medallists. Head coach Gareth Grundie has announced a 20‑player squad to travel to Wavre, Belgium. In her absence, Lizzy Murphy and Holly Micklem are named, offering them their first chance to represent Ireland in goal on one of hockey's biggest stages.

Ireland will make its third successive appearance at a World Cup after beating Japan in a shoot‑out in the bronze‑medal match in Santiago to secure qualification for 2026. Ranked 12th in the world, the side is drawn in Pool C and will face Spain in its opening match on 16 August, then New Zealand two days later and Belgium on 20 August. A top‑two finish in the pool would put Ireland into Pool E for a semi‑final spot, while a third or fourth place sends them to Pool H for classification matches.

Ireland's men's coach Mark Tumilty has also named a 20‑strong squad as the side prepare for its first appearance in the competition since 2018. Unchanged from the qualification team, the men are ranked 10th worldwide and are drawn in Pool C to play Australia on 16 August, South Africa on 18 August and Spain on 20 August. A top‑two place will advance them to Pool E; otherwise they move to Pool H.