Spain will be involved in the first men's FIH Olympic qualifier ©FIH

Six teams will secure a place at next year's Olympic Games in Tokyo when the first set of International Hockey Federation qualifiers take place this weekend.

Three men's and three women's matches will be held from tomorrow to Sunday (October 27).

European Championship silver medallists Spain entertain France in the opening men's match at Estadio Betero in Valencia, with the return scheduled for Saturday (October 26).

Canada play Ireland at Rutledge Field in Vancouver, while The Netherlands take on Pakistan at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amsterdam on Saturday.

The reverse fixtures will be staged on Sunday.

Australia start as strong favourites in their women's tie with Russia ©Getty Images
Australia start as strong favourites in their women's tie with Russia ©Getty Images

In the women's qualifiers, the opening games are tomorrow and the second legs on Saturday.

Australia, ranked second in the world, go up against Russia at the Perth Hockey Stadium, while China face Belgium at the Wujin Hockey Stadium.

Spain versus South Korea in Valencia is the other women's tie scheduled for the opening weekend of Tokyo 2020 qualification fixtures.

A further eight matches - four men's and four women's - will be held from November 1 to 3.

The winners of the 14 two-legged ties will seal a berth in the hockey tournaments at next year's Olympics in the Japanese capital.