In the fast-paced, high-intensity world of international field hockey, women’s teams across the globe are pushing the boundaries of excellence like never before. The top 10 Women’s hockey teams in 2025 are not just participating—they’re rewriting the history books with every game they play. From dominant performances in the FIH Pro League to nail-biting finishes in Olympic qualifiers, these teams have proven themselves to be the best of the best.
Whether it’s the reigning champions Netherlands showcasing unmatched tactical brilliance or rising stars like India and China stunning seasoned opponents, the competition has reached thrilling new heights. Every nation on this list brings its own unique style of play, elite-level fitness, and world-class athletes who inspire millions.
This comprehensive ranking of the top 10 Women’s hockey teams is based on the latest official FIH world rankings.
Whether you’re a hockey enthusiast or just someone intrigued by global sports dynamics, this deep dive into the leading women’s field hockey nations will give you an inside look at the powerhouses setting the sport ablaze.
Top 10 Women’s Hockey you should know about:
10. New Zealand
Rounding out the top 10 Women’s hockey teams, New Zealand sits 10th with 2,177 points. The “Vantage” Black Sticks are organized and determined.
Led by Olivia Shannon, Frances Davies, and veteran Sophie Cocks, their focus on structure and pace earned them a Nations Cup win. Their defensive stamina keeps them firmly in the upper tier.
New Zealand’s consistency secures them a rightful spot in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams.
| FIH POINTS (2025) | 2177.6 |
| KEY PLAYERS | Olivia Shannon, Frances Davies, Tessa Jopp |
| Recent Highlight | Won the 2024 Nations Cup |
9. India
India places ninth in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams, with 2,391 points. A dramatic resurgence, including a Pro League shoot-out victory over the Netherlands, has marked their best phase .
Captained by Salima Tete, with stalwarts like Vandana Katariya (320 caps) and keeper Savita Punia, India blends grit with flair. Their rise cements their place in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams.
Their upward momentum, historic, and inspiring, signals big ambitions for Olympic qualification and beyond.
| FIH Points (2025) | 2,391.0 |
| Key Players | Salima Tete, Savita Punia, Vandana Katariya |
| Recent Highlight | Defeated Netherlands in 2025 Pro League SO |
8. England
England holds eighth among the top 10 Women’s hockey teams, accumulating 2,440 points. They’re rebuilding post-Paris 2024, aiming to regain glory.
Led by determined players like Sarah Robertson, Amy Tennant, and veteran Hollie Pearne-Webb, their structured play and recent surge in Pro League were notable—even if mixed in results.
Their tough start in early 2025 hasn’t deterred them; England remains a key force in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams.
| FIH Points (2025) | 2,440.1 |
| Key Players | Hollie Pearne-Webb, Lily Owsley, Anna Toman |
| Recent Highlight | Strong 2025 Pro League recovery |
7. Spain
Spain is seventh in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams, with 2,583 points. Known for graceful stickwork and clever passing, they’re gaining ground rapidly.
Emerging talents like Rocío Galli and María López have boosted Spain’s offensive potency. Their strong EuroHockey and Pro League season saw them qualify directly for Paris—cementing their ranking.
Spain’s trajectory reflects why they’re securing a place in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams.
| FIH Points (2025) | 2,583.2 |
| Key Players | María López, Berta Bonastre, Beatriz Pérez |
| Recent Highlight | Qualified for Paris 2024 via EuroHockey |
6. Germany
Germany ranks sixth among the top 10 Women’s hockey teams, scoring 2,662 points . Their defensive discipline and tactical clarity make them incredibly hard to break down.
Leaders like Marie Mävers, Jana Teschke, and goalkeeper Yvonne Frank anchor a resilient system. Their deep run in Santiago del Estero tournaments solidified their position as a top 6 contender.
Germany’s consistent performance underpins their place in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams.
| FIH Points (2025) | 2,662.7 |
| Key Players | Jana Teschke, Yvonne Frank, Nike Lorenz |
| Recent Highlight | Top 6 in FIH Pro League |
5. Australia
Australia places fifth in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams, with 2,696 points.
Renowned for aggressive play and athleticism, the Hockeyroos continue to challenge top rivals.
Standouts like Stacey Michelsen (though Kiwi, Australia’s stars often shine in rivalry context), Fiona Boyce, and Jade Close lead a well-balanced squad. They consistently figure in top-tier Pro League matches.
Australia’s blend of pace and experience ensures they remain a prominent entry in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams.
| FIH Points (2025) | 2,696.3 |
| Key Players | Jane Claxton, Kaitlin Nobbs, Rosie Malone |
| Recent Highlight | Semifinalist in Pro League & Nations Cup |
4. China
China has stormed to fourth place in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams, earning 2,734 points by March 2025.
Under coach Alyson Annan, their defense-first style has matured rapidly.
Key defenders like Zhang Jinrong and forwards such as Li Dongxiao have steered China to major tournament success, including Olympic silver. Their rise is a major story in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams narrative.
Their newfound consistency makes China a genuine threat to the traditional powerhouses.
| FIH Points (2025) | 2,734.5 |
| Key Players | Zhang Jinrong, Li Dongxiao, Xu Wenyu |
| Recent Highlight | Silver medal at Paris 2024 Olympics |
3. Belgium
With 3,039 points, Belgium sits third in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams rankings . Their rise is propelled by disciplined defense and opportunistic attack.
Players like Élise Thielemans, Alix Gerniers, and veteran captain Louise Versavel contribute to their sturdy, pressing gameplay. A Pro League podium finish proves their credentials among the best.
Belgium’s blend of speed and structure ensures they remain a strong contender in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams.
| FIH Points (2025) | 3,039.2 |
| Key Players | Louise Versavel, Alix Gerniers, Élise Thielemans |
| Recent Highlight | Pro League 2025 3rd place finish |
2. Argentina
Claiming second place among the top 10 Women’s hockey teams, Argentina nets 3,223 points.
Their electric playing style and fierce competitiveness reinforce their global stature.
Led by attackers like Lucina von der Heyde and Agustina Albertario, alongside goalkeeper Belen Succi, they blend flair and tactical grit. Their 2024 Olympic bronze and strong Pro League showings emphasize why they’re second in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams.
Argentina remains a thrilling force, constantly pushing the pace and honing in on the Dutch at the summit of the world stage.
| FIH Points (2025) | 3,223.0 |
| Key Players | Agustina Albertario, Belen Succi, Delfina Merino |
| Recent Highlight | Olympic bronze & Pro League podium finish |
1. Netherlands
The top 10 Women’s hockey teams list is led by the Netherlands, dominating the FIH rankings with 3,639 points as of March 4, 2025.
Olympic and World champions, they stand out for their relentless attacking precision and unmatched depth.
Stars like captain Pien Sanders, dynamic midfielder Frederique Matla, and stalwart defenders such as Lidewij Welten make the Netherlands a formidable force. Their consistency in global tournaments like the Pro League and European Championships underlines why they remain atop the top 10 Women’s hockey teams.
With an elite coaching setup and a strong domestic league, the Netherlands sets the gold standard, earning their place as the No. 1 team.
| FIH Points (2025) | 3,639.6 |
| Key Players | Frederique Matla, Pien Sanders, Lidewij Welten |
| Recent Highlight | Dominated the FIH Pro League 2024–25 |
FAQs
Q1: Which teams top the 2025 list of top 10 Women’s hockey teams?
The Netherlands, Argentina, and Belgium hold the top three spots in March 2025.
Q2: What sparked India’s rise in women’s hockey?
India’s win over Olympic champions Netherlands in a Pro League shoot-out, plus their strong show in Bhubaneswar, pushed them to 9th in the top 10 Women’s hockey teams.
Q3: Are these rankings for field hockey or ice hockey?
These are field hockey rankings as per FIH, not IIHF ice hockey.
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