Both Indian hockey teams are staring at early exits from the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. The men lost 1–3 to the Netherlands on August 22, and the women lost 2–0 to the Netherlands on August 21 — leaving both sides needing wins in their very next matches to keep semi-final hopes alive.
India Men: Lost to Netherlands, Must Beat Argentina
India's men were beaten 1–3 by the Netherlands in Amstelveen on August 22. The first half was goalless, with India's defence holding firm under head coach Craig Fulton, before Duco Telgenkamp and Thijs Hoedemakers scored in the third quarter to put the Dutch 2–0 up. Captain Harmanpreet Singh pulled one back with a penalty corner, but India could not find an equaliser. The result leaves India on zero points in the second round, while the Netherlands top the pool on six.
India men now face Argentina on Monday, August 24 at 6:15 PM IST at Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen — a match India must win to keep alive any hope of ending a 51-year wait for a second World Cup title (their only triumph came in 1975).
India Women: Lost to Netherlands, Face Australia Today
India's women lost 2–0 to defending champions Netherlands on August 21, with Yibbi Jansen scoring inside the first 90 seconds from a penalty corner and Frederique Matla adding a second in the 38th minute. Despite the scoreline, India's defence frustrated the hosts for long periods and conceded no field goals.
India women now face a must-win match against Australia today, Sunday August 23 at 10:30 PM IST, at Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen. Both teams sit on one point, with the winner taking a strong grip on the second semi-final spot from Pool E. India and Australia met earlier this year in a four-match series that finished 2–2, a closeness that head coach Sjoerd Marijne has pointed to ahead of Sunday's decider.
Why This Matters
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30, with all matches for both Indian teams' second-round ties played at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen. A second straight loss for either team all but ends their tournament; a win keeps them alive heading into the final round-robin fixtures of this stage.
FAQs
When does India play next at the Hockey World Cup 2026?
India women play Australia today, August 23, at 10:30 PM IST. India men play Argentina on August 24 at 6:15 PM IST. Both matches are at Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen.
What was the result of India vs Netherlands in the men's World Cup?
Netherlands won 3–1. Duco Telgenkamp and Thijs Hoedemakers scored for the Dutch; Harmanpreet Singh scored India's goal from a penalty corner.
What was the result of India vs Netherlands in the women's World Cup?
Netherlands won 2–0. Yibbi Jansen and Frederique Matla scored for the Dutch.
Can India still qualify for the semi-finals?
Yes, but both teams need to win their next matches. India men must beat Argentina on August 24, and India women must beat Australia on August 23, to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
When did India last win the Hockey World Cup?
India men's only Hockey World Cup title came in 1975 — a 51-year wait the current squad is chasing to end.
Where is the Hockey World Cup 2026 being played?
Belgium and the Netherlands are co-hosting, with matches split between the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre and the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, from August 15 to 30, 2026.