News for 17 August 2026
All the news for Monday 17 August 2026
2026 World Masters Hockey World Cup
2026 WMH World Cup Brasschaat Details
2026 WMH World Cup Breda Details
All fixtures and results from both venues
Live streaming World Masters Hockey World Cup (Subscription €20 for all games per venue or €50 for all venues)
2026 WMH Masters World Cup Comes to a Close
Five out of the six USA Masters teams at the second leg of the 2026 World Masters Hockey (WMH) Masters World Cup finished out their campaign with a victory.
https://www.usafieldhockey.com/news/2026/august/16/2026-wmh-masters-world-cup-comes-to-a-close
FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026
Wagener Hockey Stadium (NED) - Belfius Hockey Arena (BEL)
All times GMT +2
Men
16 Aug 2026 11:30 AUS v IRL (C) 3 - 1 Belfius Hockey Arena
16 Aug 2026 14:30 ESP v RSA (C) 3 - 1 Belfius Hockey Arena
16 Aug 2026 16:00 NED v NZL (A) 5 - 1 Wagener Hockey Stadium
16 Aug 2026 19:00 ARG v JPN (A) 3 - 0 Wagener Hockey Stadium
17 Aug 2026 12:30 PAK v WAL (D) Wagener Hockey Stadium
17 Aug 2026 14:00 FRA v MAS (B) Belfius Hockey Arena
17 Aug 2026 15:00 IND v ENG (D) Wagener Hockey Stadium
17 Aug 2026 20:30 GER v BEL (B) Belfius Hockey Arena
18 Aug 2026 09:30 NZL v JPN (A) Wagener Hockey Stadium
18 Aug 2026 14:00 ESP v AUS (C) Belfius Hockey Arena
18 Aug 2026 17:00 IRL v RSA (C) Belfius Hockey Arena
18 Aug 2026 18:00 ARG v NED (A) Wagener Hockey Stadium
Pool standings
Women
16 Aug 2026 10:00 ENG v RSA (D) 4 - 0 Wagener Hockey Stadium
16 Aug 2026 13:00 CHN v IND (D) 2 - 2 Wagener Hockey Stadium
16 Aug 2026 17:30 BEL v NZL (C) 5 - 2 Belfius Hockey Arena
16 Aug 2026 20:30 ESP v IRL (C) 3 - 2 Belfius Hockey Arena
17 Aug 2026 09:30 CHI v JPN (A) Wagener Hockey Stadium
17 Aug 2026 11:00 USA v SCO (B) Belfius Hockey Arena
17 Aug 2026 17:00 GER v ARG (B) Belfius Hockey Arena
17 Aug 2026 18:00 AUS v NED (A) Wagener Hockey Stadium
18 Aug 2026 11:00 NZL v IRL (C) Belfius Hockey Arena
18 Aug 2026 12:30 ENG v CHN (D) Wagener Hockey Stadium
18 Aug 2026 15:00 IND v RSA (D) Wagener Hockey Stadium
18 Aug 2026 20:30 ESP v BEL (C) Belfius Hockey Arena
Pool standings
FIH Match Centre
Kookaburras see off gutsy Irish challenge as Dutch and Belgians rally and England cruise
Day two of the FIH Hockey World Cup delivered plenty more action on Sunday, with significant wins, brave draws and spirited comeback efforts across the two venues in Belgium and the Netherlands.
England make clinical start as South Africa open World Cup campaign
South Africa’s FIH Hockey World Cup campaign began with a 4-0 defeat against England in Pool D at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Sunday morning.
Indian Women Hold Olympic Silver Medallists China to 2-2 Draw in World Cup Opener
Navneet and Deepika score for India as China fight back in the second half
Amstelveen, Netherlands: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team began their FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against 2024 Olympic silver medallists China at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Sunday.
India Hold Higher-Ranked China to 2-2 in Strong World Cup Opener
India began their Women’s Hockey World Cup campaign on a hugely encouraging note, twice taking the lead before being held to a 2-2 draw by higher-ranked China in an absorbing contest. More importantly, India refused to fall behind against a side that has dominated them across recent major encounters, offering renewed hope as they embark on their World Cup journey.
India, China share points in their Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 opener
While it might seem like a squandered opportunity to upset a strong outfit, there will be plenty of learnings for this young Indian side to take forward.
Aashin Prasad
Forward Deepika scored India’s second goal which had given Sjoerd Marijne’s side the lead for the second time in the match against China. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
It was a game of two halves with India dominating the opening 30 minutes, before China turned the tables to assert why it was ranked five places above its Asian rival. India had eight World Cup debutants on show, who played with youthful zest but the inexperience ultimately hurt it in its 2-2 draw with China in their Women’s World Cup Pool D opener in Amstelveen at the Wagener Stadion on Sunday.
India sheds China fear, but lacks experience to complete the job
While India has overcome the psychological barrier of playing against China, it hasn’t found the experience to turn the belief into victories.
Aashin Prasad
India may have suffered heavy defeats to China in recent times, but it showed an ability to compete strongly in Sunday’s encounter. | Photo Credit: X (@TheHockeyIndia)
The last time the Indian women’s team faced-off against China, it was hammered 4-1 in the Asia Cup final. In the league game before that, it was the same scoreline. In fact, China won their last four meetings with an aggregate of 14-4.
With 11 debutantes in team, 2-2 draw against World No. 4 China is good for future: Head coach Marijne
Marijne warns players against complacency as India next face South Africa
Members of the Indian women's hockey team take part in a warm-up session ahead of their opening Pool-D match against China at the Women's FIH Hockey World Cup, in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Sunday, August 16, 2026. PTI
With 11 players making their Hockey World Cup debut, Indian women team’s 2-2 draw against world No. 4 China was a significant result for the future, head coach Sjoerd Marijne said on Sunday.
"Women have massively improved on their skill": Viren Rasquinha hails India's 2-2 draw against China at Hockey World Cup
Amstelveen [Netherlands]: Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha praised the women's team for their impressive 2-2 draw against China in the ongoing FIH Hockey World Cup, highlighting the significant progress they have made since their 0-4 defeat to the same opponents in the 2023 Asian Games semi-final.
Vantage Black Sticks open World Cup campaign against host nations
The Vantage Black Sticks men and women opened their 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup campaigns against the host nations on day two, with both teams facing packed stadiums and electric home crowds in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Heartbreak for Ireland in FIH Hockey World Cup opener versus Spain
IRELAND 2 – 3 SPAIN
Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team came up just short against Spain in their opening game of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. Having gone a goal behind on two occasions, Ireland drew level courtesy of penalty corner goals from Hannah McLoughlin and Niamh Carey. But a final quarter penalty corner goal for Spain was the decisive moment, as the Redsticks secured a 3-2 win.
Spain beat Ireland in five-goal thriller at World Cup
By Nigel Ringland
Ireland lose 3-2 to Spain at World Cup Image source, Getty Images
Ireland missed an opportunity to seize control of their World Cup future after losing 3-2 to Spain in a thrilling opening World Cup Pool C game in Wavre.
Tipperary's Caoimhe Perdue and Irish team face crunch clash at Hockey World Cup
Ireland suffer narrow defeat by Spain in opening game
Caoimhe Perdue (left) and the Irish players celebrate their first goal against Spain | SPORTSFILE
Tipperary player Caoimhe Perdue and the Irish hockey team suffered a heartbreaking defeat in their opening game of the World Cup, losing 3-2 to Spain.
Kookaburras power past Ireland to secure 3-1 win in World Cup opener
The Kookaburras have secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Ireland, with Joel Rintala striking twice as Australia produced a clinical first-half performance.
Ireland grow in confidence throughout opening FIH Hockey World Cup encounter with Australia
IRELAND 1 – 3 AUSTRALIA
Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Men’s Hockey Team suffered a 3-1defeat at the hands of Pool C top seed Australia, but a positive second half provides them with ample momentum heading into their second outing against South Africa. A trio of penalty corner goals for Australia in the first half gave them a commanding lead, but Ireland’s Ali Empey reduced the deficit, spurring Ireland to a spirited finish.
Ireland lose to Australia on World Cup return
By Nigel Ringland
Matthew Nelson and Ali Empey celebrate Ireland’s goal Image source, Getty Images
Ireland's first Men's Hockey World Cup game since 2018 ended in defeat as Australia ran out 3-1 winners in Sunday's pool C opener in Belgium. 
Second-Half Fightback Not Enough as South Africa Fall to Spain in World Cup Opener
South Africa opened their FIH Hockey World Cup campaign with a 3-1 defeat against Spain in Pool C, with a difficult opening half ultimately leaving the African champions with too much ground to recover despite a considerably improved second-half performance.
SA’s hockey men and women suffer defeats in 2026 World Cup opening games
Missed penalty corners and defensive lapses define losses
South Africa's Mustapha Cassiem in the thick of the action against Spain in their FIH World Cup clash in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Sunday. Picture: (FIH)
South Africa's men's and Women's teams started with defeats in the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup on Sunday
Netherlands make flying start to the World Cup Hockey campaign
ISLAMABAD: Hosts the Netherlands made a thumping start to their campaign to reclaim the World Cup hockey crown, overcoming New Zealand 5-1 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Sunday.
Black Sticks sides open World Cup's with defeats
The Black Sticks women celebrate Katie Doar scoring in the loss to Belgium at the FIH Hockey World Cup PHOTO: FIH
The Black Sticks men and women have opened their campaigns at their respective 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup tournamens with losses to the host nations in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Indian Men’s Team set for high-intensity England clash in second pool game of FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
After opening the campaign with a win over Wales, the result of India’s match against England on Monday could decide who eventually finishes on top of Pool D
Amstelveen, Netherlands: The Indian men’s hockey team will look to build on its winning start to the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 when it takes on England in its second Pool D encounter at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Monday.
World Cup, India vs England: Style, needle and hockey’s most underrated rivalry
India want to move the ball quickly and create controlled chaos; England are structurally disciplined and organised. It results in thrilling matches, evidenced by the close encounters over the last few years
by Mihir Vasavda
India vs England Hockey World Cup India players celebrate after scoring against Wales in ther opening match. (Credit: Hockey India)
Rivalries in hockey usually come with labels attached. India versus Pakistan carries the weight of history and politics. Australia against the Netherlands is often sold as a clash between two modern powerhouses. Belgium taking on anyone from the sport’s elite rarely disappoints.
India looks to break 32-year jinx against England in crucial Pool D clash
India began its campaign with a 3-1 win over lower-ranked Wales on Saturday, with captain Harmanpreet Singh converting two penalty corners and Sanjay also finding the net from a set piece.
Harmanpreet Singh scored twice in India’s opening Pool D victory of Wales in Amstelveen. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
India will face its toughest challenge in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup pool stage when it takes on World No.3 England on Monday. The 32-year wait for a World Cup win over its European rival adds an extra edge to the crucial Pool D clash.
The last time India beat England at a Hockey World Cup, it wasn’t even close to a medal match - here’s what happened
India faces England at the Hockey World Cup 2026 chasing a first win over it since 1994. Here’s the full story of that Sydney classification match.
India's Mukesh Kumar in action against England in the World Cup hockey championship in Sydney. | Photo Credit: THE HINDU ARCHIVES
India goes into Monday’s Pool D meeting with England at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen carrying a wait that now stretches to 32 years. The last time India beat England at a men’s Hockey World Cup, the venue was Sydney, the year was 1994, and the prize on the line was fifth place.
Jugraj Singh available for India vs England Hockey World Cup game, gets stick clearance
Jugraj, 29, is a key member of this team, who is an able back-up to skipper Harmanpreet Singh from Penalty Corners.
Aashin Prasad
Jugraj had a breakout Hockey India League season in 2024-25, where his 12 goals led Rarh Bengal Tigers to the title. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
Defender Jugraj Singh, who missed India’s opening FIH Men’s World Cup 2026 game against Wales due to injury, will be available for the key Pool-D encounter against England on Monday.
Indian Women’s Team eyes first win as South Africa await in Pool D clash of FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
After their hard-fought draw in the opening match against Olympic silver medallists China in Pool D, India eye victory over South Africa to strengthen their position in the points table 
Amstelveen: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will look to turn their spirited opening performance into a first victory at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 when they face South Africa in their second Pool D encounter at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on August 18.
India's hockey World Cup hopes on line against South Africa
Following a strong draw against China, the Indian Women's Hockey team is poised for a critical encounter with South Africa in the World Cup, aiming to solidify their position for a top-two finish in Pool D.
By Mona Parthsarathi
Hockey India
High on confidence after holding Olympic silver medallists and world No. 4 China to a draw, India will look to strengthen their bid for a top-two finish in Pool D when they face South Africa in their second Women's Hockey World Cup match, in Amstelveen, Netherlands on Tuesday.
"Not bothered about calculations": Indian women's coach Marijne ahead of WC clash against South Africa
Amstelveen [Netherlands]: Ahead of their second FIH Women's Hockey World Cup match, Indian head coach Sjoerd Marijne said that the team is not looking at the calculations after failing to secure full points against China, and their focus is on their strengths as a team.
Indian women’s hockey coach Marijne prioritises strengths ahead of South Africa clash
Indian women’s hockey coach Marijne prioritises strengths ahead of South Africa clash. ANI Photo
Indian head coach Sjoerd Marijne has emphasised focusing on team strengths rather than tournament calculations ahead of their second FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup match against South Africa on August 18 at Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen.
Pakistan seek response after England rout
Green-shirts need victory to revive World Cup hopes as they face Wales
Alam Zeb Safi
Pakistan head into a must-win World Cup clash against Wales on Monday after a 4-1 defeat by England exposed weaknesses in their defence and left little room for error in Group D.
Shakeel urges Pakistan to prioritise offensive hockey at World Cup
LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain and Olympian Shakeel Abbasi has called on the national team to adopt a more aggressive and attacking style of play at the ongoing World Cup, warning that defensive strategies are leaving the side vulnerable against top opposition.
Pakistan’s lack of game discipline exposed in bitter loss
Abdul Mohi Shah
ISLAMABAD: Every now and then, a new drama unfolds in Pakistan hockey. But what happened during the national team’s World Cup opener against England in the Netherlands was more than an embarrassing mistake, it was a disturbing reminder of the lack of discipline, organisation and professionalism that continues to haunt the country’s once-mighty hockey programme.
Dar Academy a conveyor belt of hockey talent
Ijaz Chaudhry
Pakistan’s national and age-group hockey teams have recently been busy on the international circuit, and one institution has had a particularly prominent presence across all three levels and it is Lahore’s Dar Hockey Academy.