The International Hockey Federation announced in December 2018 that the 2022 Hockey World Cups would be held either in July 2022 or January 2023.[4] The FIH received the following final three bids for the Men's 2022 World Cup.[5] In November 2019, India was confirmed to host the tournament in January 2023.[2]
For the preferred time window 1–17 July 2022:
Belgium
Germany (withdrew)
Malaysia
Spain (withdrew)
For the preferred time window 13–29 January 2023:
India
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Qualification
Just as in 2018, 16 teams competed in the tournament. Alongside hosts, India, the five continental champions received an automatic berth.[2] After the postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics the quota of places available through continental championships including the World Cup hosts was increased from six to sixteen.[6]
A pool match played between South Korea and Japan on 17 January ended in controversy after a late match substitution led to 12 Japanese players being on the pitch.[16] According to an FIH statement "In the last moments of today's FIH Hockey Men's World Cup match between Japan and Korea, the Japanese team had 12 players on the field of play, instead of a maximum of 11 as stipulated in the FIH Rules of Hockey".[17] Following discussion with FIH officials, the Japanese team explained that the incident was an accident and expressed their apologies to the FIH and opposition.[18] The FIH is investigating the incident.[19]