Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2026: India to Miss Tournament as Six Teams Battle for Glory

The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2026 will have a noticeably different look this year, with six teams set to compete in Ipoh, Malaysia, and reigning runners-up India absent from the tournament.

The 32nd edition of the prestigious men's hockey competition is scheduled to take place from November 20 to November 28, 2026, bringing together Australia, Malaysia, South Africa, Scotland, Canada and the United States. The tournament will once again provide a valuable international platform for teams looking to test themselves outside the FIH Pro League structure.

India's absence will be one of the biggest talking points. The Indian men's team finished runners-up in the 2025 edition after losing 1-0 to Belgium in the final. With India not returning to defend its silver medal, the 2026 tournament will guarantee a new storyline at the top of the competition.

Australia headline the six-team field and arrive with an extraordinary Sultan Azlan Shah Cup record. The Kookaburras have won the competition 10 times, making them the most successful team in the tournament's history. Their previous titles came in 1983, 1998, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2018. Australia did not participate in the 2025 edition but will return to Ipoh in 2026 with another title firmly in their sights.

The tournament could also provide Australia with an opportunity to assess squad depth and emerging players. Their trademark high-intensity pressing, rapid transitions and dangerous set-piece execution will make them one of the favourites from the outset.

Hosts Malaysia will be under considerable pressure to deliver in front of their home supporters. The Speedy Tigers famously won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2022, claiming their maiden title in the competition. However, they have finished fourth in each of the last two editions they participated in, including the 2025 tournament. Malaysia will be looking to turn their familiarity with the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium into a competitive advantage. The home side's focus will be on improving defensive organisation and maintaining concentration during the final stages of matches.

With experienced players such as Faizal Saari, Fitri Saari and captain Marhan Jalil providing leadership, Malaysia will hope to challenge Australia and push for a place in the medal matches.

USA Set for Historic Debut

One of the most interesting additions to the 2026 tournament is the United States, who will make their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup debut. The American men's team has never previously featured in the competition during its 43-year history. Their participation is part of a wider effort to increase exposure against high-level international opposition ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where the United States will qualify automatically as hosts.

For the USA, the tournament is therefore about more than simply competing for a trophy. Six matches across the campaign will provide the team with an opportunity to experience different tactical systems and the pressure of international tournament hockey.

Canada will make its 12th appearance at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and will use the tournament as preparation for the 2027 Pan American Games. The Canadians showed their ability to compete with higher-ranked opposition in 2025, drawing 1-1 with eventual champions Belgium during the preliminary stage. They will be hoping to build on that resilience in 2026.

Scotland and South Africa complete the six-team field. Scotland bring defensive organisation and structured play developed through European competition, while South Africa offer athleticism, counter-attacking ability and dangerous drag-flicking options.

India’s Absence After 2025 Silver

India's non-participation is particularly significant because of their performance in 2025. India reached the final last year after an impressive campaign, recording four wins in the preliminary stage before eventually losing 1-0 to Belgium. The defeat denied India another Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title but secured their fourth runners-up finish in tournament history. The decision to skip the 2026 edition is linked to India's packed international and domestic calendar. 

The national team had major priorities surrounding the 2026 World Cup and Asian Games, with the latter carrying crucial importance for qualification to the 2028 Olympics.

The tournament's November window also overlaps with the Hockey India Senior Men National Championship and preparation commitments surrounding the Hockey India League. Since the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is an invitational event and does not award FIH Pro League ranking points, rotation and workload management become important considerations for national teams.

With Belgium and India, the finalists from 2025, both absent, the 2026 edition offers an opportunity for another nation to take centre stage. Australia will target an 11th title, while Malaysia will hope home advantage can inspire another memorable run. Canada, South Africa and Scotland will look to challenge the established hierarchy, and the USA will use its historic debut as an important step towards its 2028 Olympic project.

The absence of India may take away one of the tournament's traditional powerhouses, but it also creates uncertainty at the top.

The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2026 could therefore become one of the most open editions in recent years, with every team arriving with a different objective but the same ultimate target: lifting the trophy in Ipoh.