Day 9: Netherlands women march into semi-finals, Australia women eliminate India; Germany and Spain men advance

 

Amstelveen/Wavre, August 23, 2026: Day 9 of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 produced a dramatic mix of decisive victories, tense draws and major qualification twists as the second phase gathered momentum. The Netherlands women continued their dominant campaign, Australia ended India’s semi-final hopes, while Germany and Spain secured crucial progress in the men’s competition.

Netherlands women maintain their authority

The defending champions Netherlands produced another emphatic performance, defeating China 4-1 in Pool E. All five goals came before half-time. Freeke Moes opened the scoring, with Felice Albers and Joosje Burg extending the Dutch advantage before China’s Ying Zhang pulled one back from a penalty corner. Marijn Veen restored the three-goal cushion before the interval.

The victory strengthened the Netherlands’ position at the top of Pool E and confirmed their status as one of the tournament’s strongest title contenders.

Australia hold India to end their hopes

India’s women suffered a heartbreaking exit after being held to a 0-0 draw by Australia in a must-win Pool E encounter. Australia only needed a draw to progress, while India required victory.

The Hockeyroos controlled much of the contest and finished with a remarkable 13-1 advantage in shots on goal. Two Australian goals were ruled out following reviews, but India could not find the breakthrough they desperately needed. Australia therefore advanced to the semi-finals, while India were eliminated from the title race.

England edge Japan

In the classification round, England defeated Japan 3-2. England dominated the attacking statistics, registering 24 shots on goal compared with Japan’s five. Alice Atkinson scored her first senior international goal in the second minute, and England built a 3-1 half-time lead. Japan’s Emi Nichikori scored in the 38th minute, but England held on for victory.

South Africa secure first victory

South Africa came from behind to beat Chile 3-2, recording their first victory of the tournament. Chile struck first from a penalty corner, but Edith Molikoe levelled before Ntsopa Mokoena and Caylin Maree put South Africa ahead. Simone Avelli reduced the deficit late for Chile, but South Africa held firm.

Germany overcome Australia in men's competition

Germany produced one of the day's major men's results, defeating Australia 4-2 in Pool F to secure their semi-final place. Australia made a flying start through Blake Govers in the third minute, but Germany responded with three goals in an eight-minute spell.

Australia's Joel Rintala reduced the deficit before half-time, making it 3-2. Germany restored their two-goal advantage in the 40th minute through Hugo von Montgelas and then defended superbly to keep Australia scoreless for the remainder of the match.

Spain break Belgian hearts

Spain secured a semi-final berth after holding hosts Belgium to a 1-1 draw. Belgium took the lead through Arthur van Dooren in the fourth minute and carried the advantage into half-time.

Spain eventually levelled through captain Marc Miralles, who converted a penalty corner in the 46th minute. Belgium needed a victory to advance, but Spain’s defence survived a tense final period to claim the vital point.

Classification round

Malaysia and South Africa played out an entertaining 3-3 draw, with Malaysia scoring in the final 10 seconds through Faizal Saari. It was his 290th international goal. South Africa had led 3-2 after Mustapha Cassiem’s impressive solo effort, but Malaysia rescued a point at the death.

France also recorded their first win of the tournament, defeating Ireland 2-1. Ireland led through Jeremy Duncan, but Victor Charlet equalised from a penalty corner before Timothée Clément scored the decisive goal with just over a minute remaining.

Day 9 in brief

Women

South Africa 3-2 Chile

England 3-2 Japan

Netherlands 4-1 China

Australia 0-0 India

Men

Malaysia 3-3 South Africa

France 2-1 Ireland

Germany 4-2 Australia

Spain 1-1 Belgium

Day 9 therefore proved pivotal: the Netherlands women, Australia women, Germany men and Spain men secured their semi-final ambitions, while India’s women and Australia’s men suffered particularly painful setbacks. With the decisive final second-round fixtures approaching, the race for the World Cup semi-finals has entered its most intense phase.

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