India knows exactly what it needs to do against England to reach the second round of the Women’s Hockey World Cup.
China has beaten South Africa 5-1 in its final Pool D match, taking its tally to seven points and leaving India with a straightforward equation ahead of Thursday’s clash against England.
India has four points from two matches after drawing 2-2 with China and beating South Africa 6-1. England has three points.
A draw is enough for India
India will qualify for the second round if it avoids defeat against England.
A draw would take India to five points, three clear of England, which would remain on three. China has already finished on seven points, so India would join it in the next stage as one of the top two teams in Pool D.
A win sends India through as group winner
A victory over England would take India to seven points, level with China.
India would then finish above China if it has the better goal difference. India currently has a +5 goal difference, while China’s 5-1 win over South Africa has taken it to +6 as well.
The exact finishing order would therefore depend on India’s winning margin against England.
A defeat means India is out
If India loses to England, it will remain on four points while England moves to six.
That would leave China and England in the top two positions, ending India’s campaign.
In simple terms: India needs a draw against England to qualify. A win guarantees a place in the second round, while a defeat eliminates it.
Published on Aug 20, 2026
