Hockey World Cup 2026: India Women’s Record Win Highlights Action-Packed Day 4

 

The fourth day of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands produced another round of compelling contests, with eight matches across the men’s and women’s tournaments. India’s women delivered the standout performance of the day, recording their biggest-ever World Cup victory, while Australia and the Netherlands’ men maintained perfect starts. Ireland’s men and women also celebrated important victories, while China stunned England in the women’s Pool D.

India women storm past South Africa 6-1

India produced the most emphatic result of Day 4, crushing South Africa 6-1 in Pool D. The victory was India's biggest-ever win in World Cup history and moved them into a strong position in the pool.

India took control early when Sunelita Toppo's ball found its way through the South African defence and into the net. Navneet Kaur doubled the advantage in the 17th minute before Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam converted a penalty corner in the 25th minute to make it 3-0 at half-time.

India continued their dominance after the interval. Deepika scored in the 38th minute, Lalremsiami added another in the 44th and Sakshi Rana struck just a minute later to put India 6-0 ahead. South Africa eventually pulled one back through Kayla de Waal, but it was merely a consolation as India completed a comprehensive victory. Navneet Kaur was named Player of the Match.

China stun England 4-2

China produced another important Pool D result by defeating England 4-2. Meirong Zou opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Yang Chen and Chencheng Liu struck in quick succession. Zou then scored her second from a penalty corner in the 35th minute as China established a commanding 4-0 lead.

England attempted a late comeback, with Tessa Howard scoring in the 54th minute and Sophie Hamilton adding another three minutes later. China, however, held on for a significant victory. The match was particularly memorable for Chinese captain Zixia Ou, who celebrated her 200th international cap. Chencheng Liu was named Player of the Match.

Spain hold hosts Belgium

Hosts Belgium were held to a 1-1 draw by Spain in Pool C. Belgium dominated the opening quarter and eventually took the lead through Stephanie Vanden Borre's penalty-corner conversion in the 24th minute.

Spain fought back and levelled through Lucia Jimenez in the 41st minute. Despite Belgium creating further opportunities, Spain defended strongly to secure a valuable point.

Ireland women claim first points

Ireland registered their first points of the tournament with a 3-2 victory over New Zealand. Sarah Hawkshaw opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, but New Zealand responded through Emelia Surridge early in the second half.

Ireland regained the lead through Roisin Upton's penalty stroke, while Katie Mullan extended the advantage from a penalty corner. New Zealand scored again with only 13 seconds remaining, but Ireland held on for a crucial win.

Australia edge Spain 1-0

Australia's men made it two wins from two with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Spain in Pool C. The Kookaburras dominated possession and created 17 circle entries to Spain's eight in the first half, but were unable to break through.

Spain improved after the interval, but Australia's defence remained disciplined. The decisive moment came in the 47th minute when Australia earned a penalty stroke and Blake Govers calmly converted into the top-left corner. Spain pushed for an equaliser late on, but Australia held firm for a clean sheet. Lachlan Sharp was named Player of the Match.

Netherlands defeat Argentina

The Netherlands continued their perfect start with a 3-1 victory over Argentina in Pool A. Captain Thierry Brinkman put the Dutch ahead in the seventh minute, but Argentina quickly responded through Nicolas della Torre's penalty-corner goal.

The Dutch regained the lead in the 34th minute when Tijmen Reyenga converted a penalty corner. Duco Telgenkamp then sealed the victory eight minutes later with a superb strike. The Netherlands' second successive win strengthened their position at the top of Pool A.

New Zealand men bounce back

New Zealand secured their first win of the tournament by defeating Japan 2-0. Sam Lane opened the scoring in the 12th minute after Isaac Houlbrooke created the opportunity with a strong run into the circle.

Dylan Thomas doubled the advantage in the 46th minute with an outstanding individual effort, giving the Black Sticks a much-needed three points.

Ireland men complete a 4-1 comeback

Ireland also enjoyed an impressive comeback against South Africa, winning 4-1. South Africa took the lead in the 38th minute through Kenton Melville, who produced an audacious over-the-shoulder deflection.

Ireland responded immediately. Benjamin Walker equalised five minutes later before Lee Cole converted two penalty corners in the final quarter. Sam Hyland completed the scoring in the final minute to give Ireland a convincing victory.

Day 4 results at a glance

Women

New Zealand 2-3 Ireland

England 2-4 China

India 6-1 South Africa

Spain 1-1 Belgium

Men

New Zealand 2-0 Japan

Spain 0-1 Australia

Ireland 4-1 South Africa

Argentina 1-3 Netherlands

India’s impressive statement

India's 6-1 demolition of South Africa was undoubtedly the headline result of Day 4. After the men's team had suffered a 2-4 defeat to England on the previous day, the women's side responded in emphatic fashion, combining efficient penalty-corner execution with relentless attacking pressure.

With the tournament moving deeper into the pool phase, the results on Day 4 have intensified the competition for qualification. Australia and the Netherlands' men remain unbeaten, while India’s women have put themselves in a commanding position in Pool D. The coming matches will be crucial as teams battle for places in the next stage of the 2026 World Cup.