Twelve teams will battle it out for gold in men's hockey at Paris 2024 with Belgium defending the title they won in Tokyo three years ago. The holders are one of seven European representatives with South Africa, India, Australia, Argentina and New Zealand completing the line-up.

The 12 have been split into two pools with hosts France in Pool A alongside Netherlands, world champions Germany, Great Britain, Spain and South Africa. Belgium are in Pool B with India, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Ireland. The top four teams in each pool will progress to the quarter-finals.

Pool A

Netherlands - Since missing out on the medals at Tokyo 2020, Netherlands have been a side on a steady rise. They qualified for Paris 2024 by winning gold at the EuroHockey Championships 2023 in Moenchengladbach, Germany, which saw them gain them a direct spot at the Olympics.

Germany - Reigning world champions Germany had to go to the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Oman after finishing fourth in the EuroHockey Championships 2023 on home soil. They came away from the Qualifiers unbeaten, winning the final to secure their place in Paris 2024 after their fourth place at Tokyo 2020.

Great Britain - Great Britain almost secured direct qualification to the Olympics at the EuroHockey Championships 2023 but England, GB's representatives in Moenchengladbach, went down 2-1 in the final to Netherlands. That meant they had to qualify through the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, and did so by finishing second in the qualifiers in Oman.

Spain - After their sixth place in the EuroHockey Championships 2023, Spain were placed in the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Valencia. Cheered on by their home fans, they made it all the way to the final to secure a place in Paris before falling to Belgium in the decider.

France - France qualified for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 as hosts. 

South Africa - South Africa were the winners of the ‘African Hockey Road to Paris 2024’ competition which secured them direct qualification to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 as the continental champions from Africa.

Pool B

Belgium - Belgium finished third at the EuroHockey Championships 2023 meaning they had to qualify for Paris 2024 through the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Valencia. The Red Lions won all five matches, including the final against hosts Spain, to ensure they would defend their Olympic title. 

India: The Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists took gold at last October's Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, securing direct qualification for Paris 2024 as continental champions of Asia.

Australia: After just missing out on gold in Tokyo three years ago, the Kookaburras booked their spot in Paris by winning the 2023 Oceania Cup. That secured them direct qualification as continental champions from Oceania. 

Argentina: After Australia and India, Argentina were the third team in Pool B to win their place in Paris 2024 by clinching a continental title. The Rio 2016 gold medallists were victorious at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, in November to qualify directly for the Olympics. 

New Zealand: Their Oceania Cup 2023 final defeat to Australia saw New Zealand have to settle for a place in the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Oman. A thrilling victory over Pakistan in the bronze medal match saw them clinch the last available spot in Oman for Paris.

Ireland: As the winners of the EuroHockey Championship II, Ireland qualified for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Valencia. With plenty of vociferous travelling support, they scripted a fairytale run to defeat South Korea for third place and a spot at Paris 2024.