India women’s hockey team lost its first Pool E match to the Netherlands 2-0 but it was the same opposition that kept the side alive in the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026.
The Dutch defeated China 4-1 in their final game ahead of India’s showdown against Australia later on Sunday.
The result meant the co-host is through to the last-four from Pool E but the second spot remained up for grabs. The game between India and Australia will be a virtual knockout.
If India beats Australia, it will advance to the semifinal, a stage it has not been too in 52 years. The margin of win will not matter since India, currently with one point and in last place, will overtake Australia (one point) and China (two points).
These two teams faced a similar match-up at the Tokyo Olympics, where India beat Australia 1-0 in the quarterfinals to qualify for the semifinals.
Published on Aug 23, 2026
