🇨🇱 Rodrigo Garces — Hockey World Cup 2026 Profile & Stats

Rodrigo Garces is Chile's most exciting young forward — a 25-year-old from Santiago who has developed into the primary goal threat for Los Perros Calientes (The Hot Dogs) in what is only their second-ever Hockey World Cup appearance. With 34 goals in 78 caps, Garces has established himself as one of South America's most promising attacking talents.

Garces is a pacy, direct right-wing forward who relies on his speed and directness rather than elaborate skill moves. He is most dangerous on counter-attacks, where his ability to carry the ball at pace over long distances is Chile's primary attacking route. His finishing inside the circle has developed rapidly under Coach Hugo Müller, who has worked on his reverse-stick shot specifically for European turf conditions.

❓ Fan Question: "Is Rodrigo Garcesfit for the Hockey World Cup 2026?"
✅ Answer: See the July 2026 form update below.

Chile played pan-American warm-up matches in May-June 2026, with Garces scoring 5 goals across 4 matches. Chile's form was positive enough for coach Müller to express confidence ahead of the Pool C campaign.

Chile faces Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland in Pool C — a tough group but one where winning the Ireland match could secure a Quarter-Final cross-over berth. Garces' goals will be Chile's primary ticket out of the group stage.

78 caps, 34 goals. Pan American Games silver 2023. South American Hockey Championship winner 2025.