Argentina End India’s Semifinal Hopes as Netherlands Hold England on Dramatic Day 10

 


Amstelveen/Wavre, August 24, 2026: Day 10 of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 delivered high drama across Belgium and the Netherlands, with Argentina and the Netherlands completing the men’s semifinal line-up while India’s medal hopes ended in disappointment. In the women’s tournament, Germany and Argentina also secured their places in the last four.

The biggest talking point was Argentina’s 5-3 victory over India in Pool E. India needed a convincing win to remain alive in the semifinal race, but Argentina struck just 39 seconds into the contest through Joaquin Toscani. Nicolas della Torre doubled the advantage from a penalty corner in the sixth minute before Sukhjeet Singh pulled one back in the 10th.

Argentina, however, remained in control. Tomas Domene restored the two-goal cushion early in the third quarter and then converted a penalty stroke to make it 4-1. Lucas Toscani extended the lead to 5-1 in the 53rd minute. India produced a spirited late response, with Sukhjeet scoring his second and Hardik Singh converting a penalty stroke with only 36 seconds remaining, but the comeback arrived too late.

The result ended India’s semifinal campaign. Sukhjeet’s brace and Hardik’s penalty-stroke goal provided some consolation, but Argentina’s five-goal attacking burst proved decisive. The defeat was particularly damaging because India had entered the match knowing that only a substantial victory, combined with the right result in the Netherlands-England clash, could keep their hopes alive.

The Netherlands then completed the Pool E picture with a tense 2-2 draw against England. England needed to win by two clear goals to overtake Argentina on goal difference. Stuart Rushmere put England ahead in the sixth minute, but Jip Janssen equalised shortly before half-time. Thierry Brinkman then gave the Dutch a 2-1 lead early in the second half before Henry Croft levelled from a penalty corner in the 48th minute.

England pressed desperately for the additional goals required, but the Dutch defence held firm. The draw was enough for the Netherlands to top Pool E and join Argentina in the semifinals, while England were left to compete for fifth place.

In the other men’s Pool G matches, New Zealand defeated Pakistan 4-2. Dylan Thomas, Scott Boyd and George Baker put the Black Sticks 3-0 ahead before Pakistan responded with two penalty-corner goals from Sufyan Khan and Afraz. Kane Russell’s 49th-minute penalty corner finally settled the contest.

Japan edged Wales 3-2 in another thrilling classification encounter. Shota Yamada and Kosei Kawabe gave Japan a two-goal advantage before Wales fought back through Jacob Draper. Kazumasa Matsumoto restored Japan’s two-goal cushion with an empty-net goal, and Sam Welsh scored with 34 seconds remaining, but Japan held on.

The women’s competition also produced significant movement. Germany defeated Spain 4-1, ending Spain’s semifinal hopes. Lynn Krings and Sara Strauss gave Germany a 2-0 lead before Xantal Giné pulled one back from a penalty stroke. Jette Fleschütz and Lena Micheel then struck in quick succession to complete Germany’s emphatic victory.

Argentina drew 0-0 with hosts Belgium, a result that was sufficient for Argentina to finish top of their pool and avoid a semifinal meeting with defending champions the Netherlands. Belgium had several penalty-corner opportunities but could not break the deadlock.

Elsewhere, the United States beat Ireland 3-1, while Scotland came from behind to defeat New Zealand 2-1. Scotland’s victory was especially notable as it represented back-to-back World Cup wins for the first time since 1998.

With the Day 10 results, the semifinal picture became clear. Argentina and the Netherlands advanced in the men’s tournament, joining the previously qualified teams, while Germany and Argentina secured women’s semifinal berths. The tournament now moves towards its decisive knockout stages after a day that combined spectacular attacking hockey, tense defensive battles and the heartbreak of India’s elimination.

Day 10 Results

Tournament

Match

Result

Men

Japan vs Wales

Japan 3-2 Wales

Men

New Zealand vs Pakistan

New Zealand 4-2 Pakistan

Men

Argentina vs India

Argentina 5-3 India

Men

Netherlands vs England

Netherlands 2-2 England

Women

New Zealand vs Scotland

Scotland 2-1 New Zealand

Women

Ireland vs USA

USA 3-1 Ireland

Women

Spain vs Germany

Germany 4-1 Spain

Women

Belgium vs Argentina

0-0

Results and match details are based on the International Hockey Federation’s official Day 10 report.

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