The next generation of European hockey talent takes centre stage as the Boys EuroHockey Under-16 Hockey 5s Championships returns with two competitions this week.
Alanya, Türkiye hosts the Championship, while Kutaisi, Georgia welcomes the Championship II, with both events providing an exciting platform for emerging players to gain international experience in the Hockey 5s format.
EuroHockey U16 Hockey 5s Championship 2026 Boys (Alanya, Türkiye) – July 1st to 4th
Pool A: Austria, Bulgaria, Turkiye, Ukraine
Pool B: Croatia, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland
** Click here to follow the live scores
Eight teams lock horns in Alanya with the first phase seeing each team placed in a four-team round-robin group. The finishing position of each side will determine who plays who in Thursday evening’s quarter-finals with the semi-finals following on Friday and the medal matches being played on Saturday.
Hosts Türkiye (pictured above) head up Pool A where they hope to combine home advantage with continuity. The long term leadership of head coach Mustafa Çilkız has helped shape a clear identity, leading the programme since 2016, while preparation has been intense and detailed.
Captain Lokman Taşar adds valuable experience from the 2024 edition and the hosts are also proud to welcome the European hockey community, aiming to “create unforgettable memories both on and off the pitch”.
Welcoming the competition, the organisers said: “As hosts, we are thrilled to extend our world-renowned Turkish hospitality to all participating nations, staff, and fans. We look forward to creating unforgettable memories both on and off the pitch, ensuring everyone feels at home in Alanya.”
Austria are looking to win a third successive title having won gold in Basel in 2022 and again in Zagreb in 2024.
** Austria
Austria bring an exciting group of players for whom this is a first international experience. As the squad noted, this is “a group of 10 motivated boys who will enjoy their first international experience,” and they will be keen to test themselves against different playing styles.
Their focused preparation has included useful matches, such as a draw and a narrow loss against Croatia, offering early insight into the competitive nature of the field.
Bulgaria are at the top level for the first time since 2017 in Walcz having finished in second place in Championship II in Kutaisi. Captain Mihail Sansarov returns from that 2024 competition when he scored five times in five games.
Ukraine will be looking to get back into the medal realm having won silver in 2022 after a fourth place finish in 2024 and fifth in Walcz in 2019.
** Switzerland
In Pool B, Switzerland arrive with a distinctive and diverse squad. Drawing players from seven different clubs, the group reflects the multilingual nature of Swiss hockey, with communication flowing naturally across languages.
Supported by an international coaching team, Switzerland have placed a particular emphasis on Hockey5 preparation in recent months and will arrive early to fine-tune their approach and adapt to the Turkish conditions.
Denmark step up to the top division with a young squad eager to test themselves.
Only Thor Madsen remains from the team that earned promotion to the A Division in its last appearance when they won Championship II gold in Kutaisi, highlighting a fresh chapter for Danish hockey at this level.
** Denmark
The players are guided by an experienced coaching staff led by Christian Sandby, with Christian Møller serving as assistant coach. Together, they have worked diligently to prepare the team for the demanding task ahead.
The team has prepared thoroughly throughout the spring, taking part in a number of training camps and test matches to build experience and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the tournament.
Poland and Croatia both carry strong traditions at this level, with Poland’s consistent medal record and Croatia’s competitive results ensuring this pool remains wide open.
EuroHockey U16 Hockey 5s Championship 2026 Boys (Alanya, Türkiye) – July 1st to 4th
Pool A: Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Luxmebourg, Russia
** Click here to follow the live scores
In Kutaisi, the Championship II continues to play a role in developing the European hockey landscape with Denmark claiming the 2024 title in Kutaisi, with Bulgaria second and Armenia third while Luxembourg finished fourth and Georgia fifth.
A trio of those teams return in 2026 for a five-team competition which sees each nation play each other with the top two advancing to Saturday’s final while third and fourth will play for bronze.
Armenia come in well prepared after a strong programme of international camps. “We have been training intensively… and are very much in the fighting mood,” reflecting their ambition to build on that third place finish.
** Armenia
Luxembourg also return with a well-structured and committed group. Regular competition in the Belgian league has supported their development and their preparation has extended beyond the pitch with a focus on values and team culture. The squad represents “a hardworking and united generation” ready to compete internationally.
Hosts Georgia will look to use home advantage to climb the rankings,
In line with a recent International Olympic Committee decision, and implemented by the FIH, Russia and Belarus have been cleared to return to youth international competition and so take their place in the Championship II line-up.
