Wales secured victories against the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Lithuania during the pool stage held in Poland.
In a dramatic semi-final encounter at the Women’s EuroHockey Championship II in Poland, Wales triumphed over Austria with a 2-1 victory, earning them a spot in the European top flight for the first time in 24 years in 2027.
This achievement marks Wales’ return to the European A Division for the first time since 2003. Prior to this, their progression from the group stage in Gniezno had already secured them a place in the World Cup qualifiers for only the second time in their history.
Adding to the nation’s success, Wales’ men’s team will also participate in the World Cup qualifiers and Europe’s 2027 top flight, following their decisive 5-0 win against Italy in the EuroHockey Championship II in Portugal.
Against Austria, Welsh captain Beth Bingham opened the scoring in the 21st minute, capitalizing on a rebound from a penalty corner.
Austria’s Kristine Vukovich leveled the score with a penalty corner of her own with just 10 minutes remaining, but Amy Cradden responded decisively with a late penalty corner goal to secure the win for Wales, igniting celebrations.
The Wales women’s team previously qualified for the World Cup qualifiers in 2021, where they faced Ireland in the final round.
Wales is now set to compete against the winner of Friday’s second semi-final between Italy and Switzerland in the tournament final on Saturday.
In Lousada, goals from Ben Francis, Gareth Griffiths, Nic Morgan, Jack Pritchard, and Fred Newbold sealed Wales’ return to the A Division, which they last contested in 2023.
The Wales men’s team previously secured victory in the 2021 World Cup qualifiers held in Cardiff. Their focus now shifts to Saturday’s tier-two final, where they will face the winner of Friday’s semi-final between Ireland and Scotland.