The United States opens play Friday, July 24, in the 100th edition of the MacRobertson Shield, the world team championship for Association Laws Croquet, as Tier 1 competition begins among the event's four traditional powers: England, the USA, Australia and New Zealand.
The Shield is contested every four years; England enters as the defending champion, having last won the title in 2022.
Round One: USA vs. New Zealand
Team USA draws New Zealand in Round One, a five-match series split between the Hurlingham Club and Roehampton Club:
July 24 — Doubles, Hurlingham Club
July 25 — Doubles, Roehampton Club
July 26 — Singles, Hurlingham Club
July 27 — Doubles, Roehampton Club
July 28 — Singles, Hurlingham Club
From there, the competition moves through two more rounds over a three-week span. Round Two (July 30-August 3) shifts to Sussex County Croquet Club, pairing each Round One winner against the loser of the other Round One match. Round Three (August 5-9) concludes at Surbiton Croquet Club.
Full Tier 1 schedule:
Series 1: July 24-28 — Roehampton & Hurlingham
Series 2: July 30-August 3 — Sussex County Croquet Club
Series 3: August 5-9 — Surbiton Croquet Club
The Team USA Roster
Representing the United States are Ben Rothman, Kyle Maloof, Zack Watson, Tom Balding, Stephen Morgan and Matthew Essick, with Blake Fields serving as alternate.
Watch Live
The USCA will broadcast select Team USA matches throughout the championship, courtesy of a rebroadcast arrangement with Croquet England. Coverage begins at approximately 5 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time each day and runs through early afternoon, starting Friday, July 24.
Livestream: croquetamerica.com/mac-2026