Hockey
FIH Hockey World Cup 2023: Top five nations with highest win percentage in the tournament’s history
Since its inception in 1971, the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup has represented the pinnacle of field hockey success.
Since its inception in 1971, the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup has represented the pinnacle of field hockey success. The Hockey World Cup has had 14 editions, and six different countries have won the priceless trophy during those editions. 24 countries have competed to win the prestigious World Cup throughout the tournament’s history. Here is a look at the top five teams with the highest win percentage in the Hockey World Cup ahead of the 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.
#5 West Germany- 54%
West Germany (source: Twitter)
From the first season until 1990, West Germany competed in the Hockey World Cup. West Germany played 50 games during that time, winning 27 of them for a win percentage of 54%.
Nevertheless, despite their dominance, the team was unable to win the World Cup. The 1982 World Cup in India marked West Germany’s best-ever performance. In that edition, they came in at second place after losing the championship match to Pakistan 3-1.
#4 Pakistan- 57.3%
Pakistan (Source: Twitter)
The most prosperous nation in World Cup history is Pakistan. They have won the coveted trophy more often than any other nation in the competition’s history, four times. In the first eight World Cups, Pakistan made it to the final six times. Pakistan has participated in 13 of the 14 World Cup tournaments that have been held to date.
The ‘Green Shirts’ have participated in 89 World Cup games during that time, winning 51 of them for a win percentage of 57.3%. Pakistan, however, will not play in the upcoming World Cup because they were unable to earn a spot.
#3 Netherlands- 61%
Netherlands (Source: Twitter)
Over the years, the Dutch have been a dominant force in hockey. The last two World Cups saw them advance to the final, but they both ended in defeat. Since the tournament’s inception, the Netherlands has competed in every Hockey World Cup that has taken place up to this point.
They have won the trophy three times, with their most recent victory occurring in 1998. The Netherlands has played 100 games in its history and has won 61 of them, for a win percentage of 61%. The Netherlands also hold the record for having participated in the most Hockey World Cup games.
#2 Germany- 61.7%
Germany (Source: Twitter)
Germany first participated in a World Cup tournament in 1994 in Australia. Since then, they have been among the most flourishing teams. Germany has participated in 47 World Cup games and has won 29 of them, for a win percentage of 61.7%. Additionally, Germany has twice won the World Cup.
Successes at the World Cup occurred back-to-back in 2002 and 2006. Between 2002 and 2010, Germany participated in three consecutive World Cup finals. After being eliminated in the 2018 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup quarterfinals, Germany placed fifth overall.
#1 Australia- 75%
Germany (Source: Twitter)
Australia has had the highest winning percentage in the history of the Hockey World Cup. Over the years, Australia has demonstrated unmatched dominance. The Kookaburras have a 75% win percentage after winning 69 of the 92 games they have played in the World Cup.
Australia has won the World Cup trophy three times, the most recent of which was in 2014. The Kookaburras have not only had the highest win percentage in World Cup history, but they have also won the most games and scored the most goals.
