Top five nations with highest win percentage in FIH men's hockey World Cup history

The FIH Men's Hockey World Cup first started in 1971 and has since been the highest level of achievement in field hockey. There have been 14 editions of the Hockey World Cup, which have seen six different nations get their hands on the precious trophy. The previous Hockey World Cup was held in India in 2018 in which Belgium won its first-ever World Cup.

In the tournament's history, 24 nations have competed to win the prestigious World Cup over the years. With the 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup almost upon us, here is a look at the top five teams with highest win percentage in the Hockey World Cup.

5. West Germany (54%)

West Germany were part of the Hockey World Cup from the inaugural season till 1990.  In that period West Germany played 50 matches out of which they won 27 with a win percentage of 54%.

However, despite their dominance, the team failed to get their hands on the World Cup. West Germany’s best-ever finish in the World Cup came in the 1982 edition held in India. They finished runners-up in that edition, losing against Pakistan 3-1 in the final.

4. Pakistan (57.3%)

Pakistan are the most successful country in World Cup history. They have lifted the coveted trophy four times, more than any other country in the tournament's history. Pakistan managed to reach the final on six occasions in the first eight World Cups. Out of the 14 World Cups held so far, Pakistan has appeared in 13 of them.

In that time, the ‘Green Shirts’ have played 89 World Cup matches and won 51 of them with a win percentage of 57.3%. However, Pakistan won’t feature in the upcoming World Cup as they failed to qualify for the event.

3. Netherlands (61%)

The Dutch have been a powerhouse in Hockey over the years. They have reached the final of the last two World Cups, but failed to win on both occasions. The Netherlands have been a part of the Hockey World Cup since its inaugural edition and have featured in all the World Cups held till now.

They have lifted the trophy on three different occasions with their latest success coming back in 1998. Throughout its history, the Netherlands have played 100 matches and won 61 of them with a win percentage of 61%. Netherlands also hold the record as the country to have played the most matches in the Hockey World Cup.

2. Germany (61.7%)

Germany started competing in the World Cup from the 1994 edition in Australia. They have been one of the most successful sides since. Germany has played 47 World Cup matches in their history and have went on to win 29 of them with a win percentage of 61.7%. Germany has also won the World Cup twice.

The World Cup successes came back to back in 2002 and 2006. Germany played in three consecutive World Cup finals between 2002 and 2010. Germany finished fifth after being knocked out in the quarter-finals of the 2018 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.

1. Australia (75%)

The country with the highest win percentage in the history of the Hockey World Cup are Australia. Australia have shown sheer dominance over the years. The Kookaburras have won 69 of the 92 matches that they have played in the World Cup with a win percentage of 75%. Australia lifted the World Cup trophy on three occasions with their most recent success coming in 2014.

Apart from having the highest win percentage in World Cup history, the Kookaburras have also won the most number of matches and scored the most number of goals in World Cup history.