Ranked world number one, Austria will arrive in Pretoria as the team to beat as they look to defend the title.

A number of players who triumphed in 2018 have been named in the squad including Michael Körper, Benni Stanzl and Xaver Hasun.

Another key player is Fabian Unterkircher, who scored both goals in Austria's recent 2-1 victory over home favourites Germany in the final of the 2022 Men's EuroHockey Indoor Championship.

Austria have been drawn in Pool A along with The Netherlands, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Namibia and New Zealand.

Iran, who claimed bronze in 2018, are also expected to mountain a strong challenge.

They will go up against the Czech Republic, Australia, the United States, Argentina and hosts South Africa.

Germany are three-time winners of both the men's and women's tournaments but will not be competing in Pretoria following their withdrawal which was announced in August last year.

The Netherlands will hope to make the most of Germany's absence as they set their sights on a third women's gold.

The Dutch team were in imperious form throughout the Berlin 2018 competition, winning seven games in succession before hosts Germany edged them 2-1 in the gold medal match.

Four players from the team that competed in Berlin will be in action at the 2023 event, including co-captains Lieke van Wijk and Donja Zwinkels.

The Netherlands, who came out on top in 2007 and 2015, will face Austria, Australia, the US, South Africa and New Zealand in Pool A.

Ukraine are the highest ranked side in Pool B that also features the Czech Republic, Namibia, Kazakhstan, Belgium and Canada.

The top-four teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.

Competition is due to start tomorrow and run until February 11.