News for 23 August 2026
All the news for Sunday 23 August 2026
FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026
Wagener Hockey Stadium (NED) - Belfius Hockey Arena (BEL)
All times GMT +2
Men
22 Aug 2026 10:00 NZL v WAL (G) 7 - 2 Wagener Hockey Stadium
22 Aug 2026 13:00 PAK v JPN (G) 4 - 3 Wagener Hockey Stadium
22 Aug 2026 16:00 NED v IND (E) 3 - 1 Wagener Hockey Stadium
22 Aug 2026 19:00 ENG v ARG (E) 1 - 3 Wagener Hockey Stadium
23 Aug 2026 11:30 MAS v RSA (H) Belfius Hockey Arena
23 Aug 2026 14:30 FRA v IRL (H) Belfius Hockey Arena
23 Aug 2026 17:30 GER v AUS (F) Belfius Hockey Arena
23 Aug 2026 20:30 ESP v BEL (F) Belfius Hockey Arena
24 Aug 2026 09:30 JPN v WAL (G) Wagener Hockey Stadium
24 Aug 2026 12:30 NZL v PAK (G) Wagener Hockey Stadium
24 Aug 2026 14:45 ARG v IND (E) Wagener Hockey Stadium
24 Aug 2026 18:00 NED v ENG (E) Wagener Hockey Stadium
Pool standings
Women
22 Aug 2026 11:30 IRL v SCO (H) 1 - 2 Belfius Hockey Arena
22 Aug 2026 14:30 USA v NZL (H) 1 - 1 Belfius Hockey Arena
22 Aug 2026 17:30 GER v BEL (F) 1 - 3 Belfius Hockey Arena
22 Aug 2026 21:00 ARG v ESP (F) 3 - 0 Belfius Hockey Arena
23 Aug 2026 10:00 CHI v RSA (G) Wagener Hockey Stadium
23 Aug 2026 13:00 JPN v ENG (G) Wagener Hockey Stadium
23 Aug 2026 16:00 NED v CHN (E) Wagener Hockey Stadium
23 Aug 2026 19:00 AUS v IND (E) Wagener Hockey Stadium
24 Aug 2026 11:00 NZL v SCO (H) Belfius Hockey Arena
24 Aug 2026 14:00 IRL v USA (H) Belfius Hockey Arena
24 Aug 2026 17:00 ESP v GER (F) Belfius Hockey Arena
24 Aug 2026 20:30 BEL v ARG (F) Belfius Hockey Arena
Pool standings
FIH Match Centre
Las Leonas book semi-final ticket as race to final four intensifies
Argentina’s women ensured their passage through to the semi-finals of the FIH Hockey World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Spain on Saturday as the other teams in contention continued their battles to reach the final four.
Scotland Women Secure Impressive 2-1 Victory Over Ireland at the FIH Hockey World Cup
Scotland Women were back in action today for their fourth match of the FIH Hockey World Cup, taking on Ireland at the Belfius Hockey Arena with a valuable opportunity to play for ranking classification.
Scotland unpick Ireland in first FIH Hockey World Cup phase 2 matchup.
IRELAND 1 – 2 SCOTLAND
Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Scotland in their first of their phase 2 FIH Hockey World Cup matches. Having gone a goal down in the opening quarter, Ireland’s Emily Kealy drew her side level before half-time. But a stunning Charlotte Watson strike just minutes into the second half proved the difference-maker, as Scotland secured the 2-1 win.
Ireland below standards in World Cup loss to Scotland
By Nigel Ringland
Ireland’s Emily Kealy in action against Scotland Image source, World Sport Pics
Ireland coach Gareth Grundie described his side's performance in the 2-1 defeat by Scotland as "not to the standard we'd set ourselves".
USWNT Tie New Zealand in Second Phase 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Pool Game
WAVRE, Belgium – The No. 10 U.S. Women’s National Team opened the second phase of pool play at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup with a competitive 1–1 draw against No. 12 New Zealand. After falling behind early, the United Eagles responded in the second half with increased offensive pressure and a strong defensive penalty corner unit.
A World Cup hattrick for James Hicksomn and the Women share points against USA
The Vantage Black Sticks Men produced a dominant second-half performance to defeat Wales 7-2, while the Vantage Black Sticks Women shared the points with the USA following a 1-1 draw in their latest matches at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
Pakistan end 16-year wait with classification-round win over Japan
Victory marks Pakistan's first since 2-1 triumph over Spain in 2010 edition of FIH Hockey World Cup
By Atique ur Rehman
Pakistan players celebrate winning their FIH Hockey World Cup classification match against Japan at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on August 22, 2026. — FIH
AMSTELVEEN: Pakistan ended their 16-year wait for a victory in the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup when they edged past Japan 4-3 in the 9th to 16th place classification match here at the Wagener Stadium on Saturday.
Pakistan edge Japan in seven-goal thriller to keep World Cup ranking hopes alive
Abdul Mohi Shah
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan kept their hopes alive of finishing the 2026 Hockey World Cup between ninth and 12th positions with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Japan in a fiercely contested classification match in Amstelveen on Saturday.
Pakistan roar back to beat Japan
Waheed scores twice as Green-shirts conquer Japan 4-3 in Group G classification stage
Photo: Screengrab
Pakistan recovered from two goals down to edge Japan 4-3 in a thrilling Group G match at the FIH Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen on Saturday, securing a narrow victory after a late Japanese push.
Dutch men on brink of semis as England face big Monday challenge
The men’s semi-final spots remain up for grabs at the FIH World Cup while Argentina advance in the women’s competition thanks to their impressive victory over Spain.
India loses to Netherlands in Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 second-round match
Needing a win, India put up a spirited fight, getting its tactics spot on to make the home side work hard, but familiar troubles in field play plagued Craig Fulton’s men.
Aashin Prasad
Placed last in the standings, India’s hopes now rests on the result between England and Argentina. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
If you are going to play in a shade of orange, India got a close-up display on how to do so from a clinical Netherlands.
Netherlands hand India a masterclass in control but World Cup semis hope alive
Harmanpreet Singh-led side must beat Argentina on Monday - and hope England lose to Netherlands- to stand any chance of entering last four
by Mihir Vasavda
There was always something holding India back at this World Cup. They had the bursts, the fast starts, the spells when they looked capable of taking on anyone. But they never quite got the handbrake off. (Hockey India)
Harmanpreet Singh flung a low, powerful flick to beat the Dutch goalkeeper, halve India’s deficit, and raise the team’s hopes. He then sprinted back to the dugout, lay down and got a massage on his aching back. Just as he returned a couple of minutes later, his teammates lost the ball in the middle, the Netherlands launched a blistering counter, and Thijs van Dam restored the two-goal cushion.
The Equation Is Brutal: What India Need After Painful Loss To Netherlands In Hockey World Cup
The Indian men's team received a huge blow in the race to qualify for the Hockey World Cup semi-finals as they went down 1-3 to the Netherlands in Amstelveen on Saturday
by Abhishek Paul
Photo from the India vs Netherlands Hockey World Cup match.© Hockey India
The Indian men's team received a huge blow in the race to qualify for the Hockey World Cup semi-finals as they went down 1-3 to the Netherlands in Amstelveen on Saturday. Coming up against the Olympic champions, playing at home, Harmanpreet Singh's goal was not enough to save India's day. It has left them facing an uphill task. The Netherlands now have six points in Pool E (they carried over three points from the previous stage) after their win over India and are through to the semi-finals. The Harmanpreet Singh-led India have 0 points (they did not carry over any points from the previous round).
How can India qualify for Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 semifinals after Netherlands loss?
While the Dutch have boosted their chances of making the semifinals with this win, the Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian team is not yet out of contention for a berth in the last four.
FILE PHOTO: India had advanced to the second stage of the competition after finishing second in Pool D. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
India began its FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 second-round campaign with a 1-3 loss to host Netherlands on Saturday.
Argentina give India a lifelife
India were on the brink of being eliminated after going down to Netherlands but South American nation does the business against England in Pool E thriller
Swaroop Swaminathan
Action from the match between Netherlands and India on Saturday. India now need to beat Argentina on Monday to have any hope of advancing to the semifinals HI
ON Saturday afternoon, a team in Orange put India on the brink of elimination. A few hours later, though, a side wearing a dark shade of blue kept them in the World Cup. Talk about irony.
Argentina Beat England 3-1 To Secure Important Hockey World Cup Win
Argentina produced a strong performance to defeat England 3-1 in the latest FIH Hockey World Cup Pool E match at Wagener Hockey Stadium. The South American side made the most of their chances and stayed in control for long periods to secure an important victory.
Los Leones stun England at the 2026 Hockey World Cup
Los Leones made a real statement at the 2026 Hockey World Cup. Argentina’s national team defeated England 3-1 in Amstelveen in the opening match of the second phase, earning three crucial points to keep their chances of reaching the semifinals fully alive.
Indian Women’s Team’s FIH Hockey World Cup semifinal dreams hinge on luck and a must-win game against Australia
India need to beat Australia in their decisive Pool E fixture on Sunday and hope that the Netherlands vs China match earlier on the same day ends in a Chinese defeat or a draw
Amstelveen: The Indian women’s hockey team faces a must-win battle against Australia in their decisive fixture at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 on Sunday, with the second semi-final spot from Pool E still up for grabs. Both teams are on one point, and a victory will put the winner in the strongest position to progress, although the final permutations will also depend on the result in the match between the Netherlands and China earlier on Sunday.
India women eye Hockey World Cup semi-final berth in high-stakes showdown against Australia
Despite a 0‑2 loss to defending champions Netherlands in their opening second‑round match, India Women remain in contention for a coveted last‑four berth.
Image: ANI
With an eye on a berth in the final four, the Indian women’s team will face off against Australia in a virtual quarterfinal clash of the women’s hockey World Cup, here on Sunday.
India face must-win clash against Australia to keep FIH Women's Hockey World Cup hopes alive
Amstelveen [Netherlands], August 22 (ANI): The Indian women's hockey team faces a must-win battle against Australia in their decisive fixture at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 on Sunday, with the second semi-final spot from Pool E still up for grabs.
Coach Marijne questions India's tight calendar after Netherlands Hockey World Cup clash: 'Had to play back-to-back matches'
India women’s hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne criticised the scheduling at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, after his side lost 0‑2 to the Netherlands in Amstelveen.
India were defeated by Netherlands Women at the FIH Women's World Cup 2026. Image: PTI
India women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne questioned the team's scheduling in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after the Indian women's team lost 0-2 to the Netherlands in the second round of the tournament in Amstelveen.
Part-time jobs, crowdfunding — Relentless Wales dreams of first Hockey World Cup win
Four months ago, when Wales punched its ticket to the continental showpiece, there were fears over whether the team would have adequate funds to cover its participation.
Aashin Prasad
Photo Credit: Hoci Cymru/Instagram
Unlike the elite international teams, which are supported by the nation’s governing bodies, Welsh hockey, according to forward Fred Newbold, is a ‘full-time player-funded pathway’.
Humiliated by a bus conductor, Savita Punia almost walked away from hockey
Once too shy to leave home alone, Savita Punia is the most experienced player of the ongoing World Cup with 317 caps. 
"Previously, people would only ask after matches who scored the goals, not who saved them," said Savita. (Photo credit: Hockey India) By PTI Published: 22 Aug 2026 11:28 AM There was a time when Savita Punia needed her mother to stand at the doorstep whenever she would step out of the house, too hesitant to speak to seniors in the Indian hockey team, and uncomfortable facing the camera.
Jetten backs partner Hockey World Cup puts Dutch-Argentine divide in focus
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has been supporting his fiancé Nicolás Keenan from the stands during the Hockey World Cup, where the Argentine international is playing in a tournament that has put their sporting and political lives on opposite sides.
FIH Para Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026
Amstelveen (NED)
Senior Coed ParaHockey
All times GMT +2
22 Aug 2026 10:00 ITA v USA (A) 10 - 1
22 Aug 2026 10:00 BEL v GER (A) 4 - 3
22 Aug 2026 10:00 ESP v ARG (B) 4 - 1
22 Aug 2026 10:00 NED v BUL (B) 1 - 2
22 Aug 2026 11:15 FRA v IRL (A) 7 - 0
22 Aug 2026 11:15 PAK v ZAM (A) 5 - 0 Forfeit
22 Aug 2026 11:15 ENG v CHI (B) 7 - 3
22 Aug 2026 11:15 IND v MAS (B) 2 - 7
22 Aug 2026 15:00 FRA v ZAM (A) 5 - 0 Forfeit
2 Aug 2026 15:00 USA v PAK (A) 4 - 18
22 Aug 2026 15:00 ENG v MAS (B) 0 - 5
22 Aug 2026 15:00 ARG v IND (B) 0 - 7
22 Aug 2026 16:15 BEL v ITA (A) 3 - 7
22 Aug 2026 16:15 GER v IRL (A) 2 - 0
22 Aug 2026 16:15 NED v ESP (B) 0 - 4
22 Aug 2026 16:15 BUL v CHI (B) 10 - 1
23 Aug 2026 10:00 PAK v IRL (A) 7 - 1
23 Aug 2026 10:00 ZAM v USA (A) 0 - 5 Forfeit
23 Aug 2026 10:00 IND v CHI (B) 10 - 1
23 Aug 2026 10:00 MAS v ARG (B) 4 - 1
23 Aug 2026 11:15 ITA v GER (A)
23 Aug 2026 11:15 BEL v FRA (A)
23 Aug 2026 11:15 ESP v BUL (B)
23 Aug 2026 11:15 NED v ENG (B)
24 Aug 2026 11:25 7th B v 8th B (13/16)
24 Aug 2026 11:25 5th B v 6th B (9/12)
24 Aug 2026 12:55 7th A v 8th A (13/16)
24 Aug 2026 12:55 5th A v 6th A (9/12)
24 Aug 2026 16:55 3rd B v 4th B (5/8)
24 Aug 2026 16:55 2nd A v 2nd B (3/4)
24 Aug 2026 19:05 3rd A v 4th A (5/8)
24 Aug 2026 19:05 1st A v 1st B (Final)
Pool standings
FIH Match Centre
USA Prepares for Final Day of Pool Play at 2026 FIH Para Hockey World Cup
Louvain-La-Neuve, BELGIUM – The spirit and the passion from USA continued to shine as they took on Italy and Pakistan on day three of the 2026 FIH Para Hockey World Cup in Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium.
How Brussels' Zinneke Sticks make hockey a sport for everyone
By Polya Pencheva
Credit: Zinneke Sticks
In Brussels, a Zinneke is more than a dog. The word has come to evoke the city's mixed identities and those who do not fit neatly into a single category. Now, the term became part of a fitting name for a hockey team built around the idea that everyone should have a place on the pitch.
Like father, like sons: Jiwa's twins fire Penang into Sukma hockey final
By Aftar Singh
Former Olympian Jiwa Mohan twin sons. Kryshant (left) and Kriish helped Penang reach the Selangor Sukma men’s hockey final at the Pandamaran Stadium in Klang. - Pic from Jiwa Mohan
KUALA LUMPUR: Olympian Jiwa Mohan's twin sons, Kryshant and Kriish, are making waves at the ongoing Malaysia Games (Sukma), helping Penang reach the men's hockey final at Pandamaran Stadium in Klang on Saturday.
Virginia field hockey returns for the 2026 season in position to take it all
After last season’s abrupt ending, the team may finally have all it needs to surmount the ACC
By Adair Reid
Virginia field hockey was tested in 2025. In 2026, the Cavaliers may break through. Courtesy Virginia Athletics
Three years into Coach Ole Keusgen’s tenure, Virginia field hockey may finally have what it needs to break through.