News for 19 August 2026
All the news for Wednesday 19 August 2026
FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026
Wagener Hockey Stadium (NED) - Belfius Hockey Arena (BEL)
All times GMT +2
Men
18 Aug 2026 09:30 NZL v JPN (A) 2 - 0 Wagener Hockey Stadium
18 Aug 2026 14:00 ESP v AUS (C) 0 - 1 Belfius Hockey Arena
18 Aug 2026 17:00 IRL v RSA (C) 4 - 1 Belfius Hockey Arena
18 Aug 2026 18:00 ARG v NED (A) 1 - 3 Wagener Hockey Stadium
19 Aug 2026 12:30 ENG v WAL (D) Wagener Hockey Stadium
19 Aug 2026 15:00 PAK v IND (D) Wagener Hockey Stadium
19 Aug 2026 17:00 FRA v GER (B) Belfius Hockey Arena
19 Aug 2026 20:30 BEL v MAS (B) Belfius Hockey Arena
20 Aug 2026 11:00 AUS v RSA (C) Belfius Hockey Arena
20 Aug 2026 12:30 NZL v ARG (A) Wagener Hockey Stadium
20 Aug 2026 17:00 IRL v ESP (C) Belfius Hockey Arena
20 Aug 2026 18:00 NED v JPN (A) Wagener Hockey Stadium
Pool standings
Women
18 Aug 2026 11:00 NZL v IRL (C) 2 - 3 Belfius Hockey Arena
18 Aug 2026 12:30 ENG v CHN (D) 2 - 4 Wagener Hockey Stadium
18 Aug 2026 15:00 IND v RSA (D) 6 - 1 Wagener Hockey Stadium
18 Aug 2026 20:30 ESP v BEL (C) 1 - 1 Belfius Hockey Arena
19 Aug 2026 09:30 CHI v AUS (A) 4 - 4 Wagener Hockey Stadium
19 Aug 2026 11:00 ARG v SCO (B) Belfius Hockey Arena
19 Aug 2026 14:00 USA v GER (B) Belfius Hockey Arena
19 Aug 2026 18:00 NED v JPN (A) Wagener Hockey Stadium
20 Aug 2026 09:30 CHN v RSA (D) Wagener Hockey Stadium
20 Aug 2026 14:00 NZL v ESP (C) Belfius Hockey Arena
20 Aug 2026 15:00 IND v ENG (D) Wagener Hockey Stadium
20 Aug 2026 20:30 BEL v IRL (C) Belfius Hockey Arena
Pool standings
FIH Match Centre
Heavyweights hold firm as chasers make their move on action-packed day four
Australia and the Netherlands’ men’s sides made it two wins from two on day four of the FIH Hockey World Cup, with India and China’s women and Ireland and New Zealand’s men also picking up valuable wins on Tuesday.
Ireland battle past New Zealand to secure first 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup win
IRELAND 3 – 2 NEW ZEALAND
Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team secured their first win of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, battling past New Zealand. Captain Sarah Hawkshaw gave the Green Army the lead, but New Zealand drew level in quarter three. Ireland’s lead was restored by Róisín Upton from the penalty spot, before Katie Mullan touched in an Upton flick from close range to give Ireland a two-goal cushion. New Zealand grabbed a late consolation goal with a minute in the clock, but Ireland had done enough by that point to secure the win.
Vantage Black Sticks Men take three points while Women fight to the end
The Vantage Black Sticks Men and Women were back in action overnight in their second matches of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. The men claiming an important first victory of the tournament
Ireland's World Cup hopes alive after win over NZ
By Nigel Ringland
Katie Mullan and Roisin Upton were on target in Ireland's win over New Zealand. Image source, Getty Images
Ireland's women looked no further than the success of the country’s athletes and swimmers over the past 10 days to inspire them to a first Hockey World Cup pool win in eight years.
Unbeaten India Storm Past South Africa 6-1 to Register First Win of FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Six different players find the back of the net as India register commanding win and move to top of Pool D on goal difference 
Amstelveen, Netherlands The Indian Women’s Hockey Team strengthened their position at the top of Pool D at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 with a commanding 6-1 victory over South Africa at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Tuesday. The emphatic win keeps India unbeaten in the tournament, having earlier drawn 2-2 against 2024 Olympic silver medallists China, taking their tally to four points from two matches, with India currently leading the pool on goal difference.
India prove too strong as South Africa fall in World Cup Pool D clash
South Africa’s second outing at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup ended in defeat as a clinical India side claimed a 6-1 victory at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Tuesday afternoon.
Indian Women thump African Champions, posts Amsterdam’s biggest victory 6-1
Six goals. One emphatic statement. India go top of the pool . And, it is the by far the biggest win ever at the ongoing World Cup
The Indian women went a little go-ga over African champions South Africa in Amsterdam, producing their biggest score of the tournament so far with a thumping 6-1 victory in their Women’s Hockey World Cup campaign.
India thrash South Africa 6-1 for first win at FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup
Six different players scored as India bounced back from their opening draw against China with a dominant display in Amstelveen. 
India thrash South Africa 6-1 for first win at Hockey World Cup (Photo credit: Hockey India)
India registered their first win at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 with a commanding 6-1 victory over South Africa in Amstelveen on Tuesday.
South African hockey teams endure more World Cup agony
South Africa endured a difficult day at the FIH Hockey World Cup on Tuesday, with both the women’s and men’s teams suffering defeats that ended their hopes of progressing to the championship phase.
MORGAN PIEK
Bloemfontein’s Taheera Augousti playing in her 50th Test for South Africa. Photo: World Sport Pics / FIH
The women’s side were beaten 6-1 by a clinical India at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, while the men surrendered a lead to lose 4-1 against Ireland in Wavre. The African champions, the South African women, entered their second Pool D match determined to bounce back after their opening loss to England, but India proved too sharp in attack.
Sjoerd Marijne’s simple ‘unity’ idea is helping India believe again at the Women’s Hockey World Cup
Sjoerd Marijne wanted India’s women’s hockey team to have a constant reminder of togetherness. The result was the red-and-yellow ‘unity’ band.
Aashin Prasad
While it may be hard to ascertain the impact of the coloured ropes, Marijne is getting the intended results. | Photo Credit: Sudhakara Jain, Aashin Prasad
India head coach Sjoerd Marijne and Co. had made their way out onto the turf thirty minutes before the side’s Pool-D game against South Africa in the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026.
Black Sticks win and loss at FIH World Cup
The Black Sticks men scored a win over Japan at the FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands PHOTO: FIH HOCKEY WORLD CUP
A win and a loss for the Black Sticks teams at the FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Kookaburras edge Spain in tense World Cup battle
The Kookaburras have marked Australia’s 100th World Cup match with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Spain, with a late Blake Govers penalty stroke proving the difference in a tense encounter.
Ireland Men Secure Convincing World Cup Victory Over South Africa
IRELAND 4 – 1 SOUTH AFRICA
Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Men’s Hockey Team secured a 4-1 victory over South Africa, recording their first FIH Hockey World Cup victory since 1978 in the process. Having gone a goal down in the third quarter, Ireland turned the game around thanks to a Ben Walker goal, a brace of penalty corners from Player of the Match Lee Cole, and a finish in the final minutes from Sam Hyland to put the game beyond reach.
Late Irish surge denies South Africa
A landmark evening for Dayaan Cassiem ultimately ended in disappointment for South Africa as Ireland produced a devastating final-quarter surge to claim a 4-1 victory in their second Pool C encounter at the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup in Wavre.
Ireland hit four against South Africa in stunning Hockey World Cup comeback
Ireland's first World Cup group stage win in 48 years sets up a winner takes all clash with Spain on Thursday
Rod Gilmour
Lee Cole scored twice for Ireland in their Hockey World Cup victory over South Africa. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Ireland survived a tidal wave of South African pressure to win their first Men’s World Cup group stage game for nearly 50 years following a breathless 4-1 victory on Tuesday in Wavre.
Ireland win over SA sets up showdown with Spain
By Nigel Ringland
Sam Hyland celebrates Ireland’s fourth goal. Image source, Getty Images
Ireland battled to a 4-1 victory over South Africa in their World Cup clash in Wavre on Tuesday to leave them needing a draw against Spain in Thursday's final Pool C game to advance to the second phase of the tournament.
India vs Pakistan: High-stakes rivalry takes centre stage at FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in crucial Pool D game
A crucial Pool D game for the two arch-rivals has heightened the stakes in the next chapter of this storied rivalry, with India requiring only a draw to stay in the race to semi-finals, while Pakistan need nothing less than a win
Amstelveen: Few contests in world hockey carry the weight, history and emotion of an India-Pakistan encounter; and when the two arch-rivals meet at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, the stakes could hardly be higher.
India-Pakistan Amsterdam Clash Carries More Than Usual Stakes
K ARUMUGAM
The India-Pakistan encounter at Amsterdam today comes with a heavier dose of expectation, curiosity and consequence than a traditional rivalry would normally carry. Beyond the emotional intensity attached to the fixture, both teams have a clear tournament objective: progress to the next stage of the World Cup.
Pakistan face India in must-win World Cup clash
Former Olympian Nasir Ali urges Pakistan to convert chances
Alam Zeb Safi
Photo: Express Tribune
KARACHI: Pakistan face arch-rivals India in a decisive FIH Hockey World Cup Group D encounter on Wednesday, knowing only victory will ensure their progression to the tournament's next stage.
Handshake or not, India face Pakistan at Hockey World Cup in a do-or-die situation
India meet Pakistan in a must-win Hockey World Cup clash with even the pre-match handshake under watch. Beyond the symbolism, the result will decide knockout hopes and test India's tactical nerve.
Alan Jose John
India need to beat Pakistan to make it to the next round (Courtesy: Hockey India)
There's a unique beauty about India vs Pakistan when it comes to any sport. Fans watch their teams battle it out for bragging rights, with a few heated moments sprinkled here and there for that extra spice. In recent times, however, we have seen the rivalry take a new direction, with India dominating the contests, especially when it comes to hockey.
Struggling Pakistan take on India in must-win FIH World Cup clash amid complex pool scenario
Pakistan celebrate a goal during their 4-3 loss to India in an FIH Hockey Pro League match at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London on June 23, 2026. @pakhockeyteam/Instagram
AMSTELVEEN (Netherlands): Pakistan take on traditional rivals India in a must-win pool match of the FIH World Cup in Amstelveen on Wednesday,
Beat India to help revive hockey, PHF chief tells team
Abdul Mohi Shah
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan hockey faces a most significant challenge when the Green Shirts take on arch-rivals India in a high-stakes World Cup encounter on Wednesday, with the outcome likely to determine whether Pakistan march into the quarterfinals or are forced into the lower classification round.
Match against India to be very difficult, says Samiullah
Syed Intikhab Ali
KARACHI: Former Olympian and chairman of the national selection committee Samiullah Khan has said that following Pakistan’s draw against Wales in the ongoing Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands, it has become very difficult for the national team to advance to the next round.
Assistant coach Zaker says no pressure as Pakistan take on India at Hockey World Cup
Captain Abu Bakar hopeful for Pakistan to produce better results against traditional rivals in mega event
By Syed Yahya Hussaini
Pakistan's Rana Ashraf Waheed (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring goal during their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 match against Wales here at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on August 17, 2026. — FIH
AMSTELVEEN: Pakistan assistant coach Adnan Zaker on Tuesday asserted that the Green Shirts will have nothing to lose and will not be under any pressure when they take on arch-rivals India in the crucial FIH Hockey World Cup match here at the Wagener Stadium on August 19.
Matches against Pakistan are not as tough anymore: Sreejesh
Former Indian goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh says India’s improved fitness and game awareness could give them edge over Pakistan in the later stages of the match 
Former Indian men's hockey goalkeeper P. R. Sreejesh ( Photo Credits : PTI)
ndia have overcome the late-game vulnerability that once cost them dearly against Pakistan and are now better equipped to handle their arch-rivals, said veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh ahead of their World Cup clash.
India vs Pakistan Hockey World Cup: What each team needs to qualify
India needs at least a draw against Pakistan to stay afloat. Pakistan must win to stay alive at the 2026 Hockey World Cup.
The India vs Pakistan Hockey World Cup clash on Wednesday takes on added significance, with a place in the next round at stake. | Photo Credit: HOCKEY INDIA
India and Pakistan face very different equations heading into their Hockey World Cup clash on Wednesday.
India vs Pakistan Hockey World Cup Showdown Returns After 16 Years — Here’s What’s at Stake
India takes on Pakistan in a must-watch Pool D World Cup hockey clash today, their first World Cup meeting in 16 years. Time, history, how to watch.
Can Harmanpreet Singh’s Team India advance to the next round of Hockey World Cup with a win over Pakistan today? | Photo Credit: HOCKEY INDIA
India and Pakistan lock horns in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, August 19, at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen — the first time the two nations have met at the men’s Hockey World Cup in 16 years, since India’s 4-1 win in New Delhi in 2010. The Pool D clash kicks off at 15:00 local time, which is 6:30 pm in India and 6 pm in Pakistan.
Former India captain Mukesh Kumar reveals how Harmanpreet Singh and Co. can shine at FIH Hockey World Cup
Reflecting on the foreign coach Craig Fulton, Mukesh lauded his efforts, pointing to the results, especially winning the 2024 Paris Olympics bronze and also some significant wins later on.
V. V. Subrahmanyam
FILE PHOTO: The famed hockey star of yesteryears from Hyderabad, who played in two forgetful World Cups for him and the team, says that Harmanpreet holds the key to the team’s fortunes. | Photo Credit: V. V. Subrahmanyam
N. Mukesh Kumar, one of the world’s finest right-wingers hockey has ever seen, believes that the Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian team has the ability to put up a memorable performance in the FIH World Cup men’s tournament in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15.
India vs Pakistan Hockey World Cup: Ashok Kumar recalls the goal that won India the 1975 final
As India and Pakistan renew their Hockey World Cup rivalry after 16 years, revisit Ashok Kumar’s first-person account of the 1975 final, when his goal gave India its only men’s Hockey World Cup title.
India's Ashok Kumar beats Ghana's goal-keeper Awunyo Akaba to score the fifth goal for India in the World Cup hockey tournament at Kuala Lumpur on March 08, 1975. India won 7-0. | Photo Credit: THE HINDU ARCHIVES
India and Pakistan meet at the Hockey World Cup on Wednesday, August 19, for the first time in 16 years. Ahead of the latest chapter in one of hockey’s fiercest rivalries, Sportstar revisits this first-person account by Ashok Kumar, who scored India’s winning goal in the 1975 World Cup final in Kuala Lumpur.
Grace Mulholland set to make history at inaugural FIH ParaHockey World Cup
Scottish Hockey is celebrating a historic milestone after Grace Mulholland was selected to serve as a Technical Official at the inaugural FIH ParaHockey World Cup, which takes place in Belgium and the Netherlands from 20–24 August 2026.
Struggling SA sport codes need to be promoted if they are going to grow
Not enough was done to get South Africans behind the national teams competing at the men's and women's Hockey World Cup tournaments.
By Wesley Botton
Bianca Wood (right) of South Africa is challenged by Shilpi Dabas of India during a match at the Women’s Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands on Tuesday. Picture: Bas Czerwinski/ANP/Getty Images
So after a lot of noise was made about the players having to fund themselves, the national hockey teams are at the World Cup. Now what?
Celebrating 10 years of GB women Olympics gold … and The Hockey Paper
By Rod Gilmour
Hockey was thrust onto front and back pages PIC: The Hockey Paper
August 19, 2016. A remarkable night at the Deodoro Olympic Hockey Centre, etched into the history of Great Britain hockey after Team GB women won gold for the first time.
Recalling Rio: GB women hockey gold and my delirious day at the Deodoro
BIG READ: 10 years on, Rod Gilmour recalls reporting on the hockey at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Team GB women’s historical gold medal at the Deodoro Stadium
By Rod Gilmour
Britain celebrate at the end of a breathless night in Rio PIC: Getty Images
As the golds continued to be bagged for Team GB at the Rio Olympics, Great Britain were still jostling for positions in the Pool stages of the hockey competitions. Watch in awe for 10 days as athletes conjure golden moments with eye-opening feats of brilliance before settling in for the hockey medal matches. Honestly, what more could you want as a stick and ball fan?
Even the Queen could not watch - 10 years since Olympic hockey gold
By Katie Falkingham and Katie Gornall, 
Team GB players celebrate victory over the Netherlands in the Rio 2016 Olympic hockey final. Image source, Getty Images
It is getting tense.
The date is 19 August 2016, and Great Britain's women hockey players are on the cusp of history. Penalties are under way against the Netherlands in the Olympic final in Rio de Janeiro.
Where are they now? Team GB women’s hockey Rio Olympics champions
There will be a 10-year anniversary get together this month for Danny Kerry’s Team GB women’s squad at the Rio Olympics, which famously delayed the BBC 10 O’Clock News as they beat the all-conquering Netherlands in that epic shoot-out.
Hockey India Congratulates Lalremsiami and Raj Kumar Pal on Being Conferred the Arjuna Award 2025
New Delhi: Hockey India today congratulated Indian Women's Hockey Team forward Lalremsiami and Indian Men's Hockey Team midfielder Rajkumar Pal on being named recipients of the prestigious Arjuna Award for the year 2025, as announced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Hockey is not very popular where I come from: Lalremsiami
Lalremsiami opens up about her journey, the challenges she faced and what the Arjuna Award honour means to her. 
Indian women's hockey team forward player Lalremsiami (Photo Credits : X -@Lalremsiami30)
Indian women's hockey team forward Lalremsiami described her inclusion among the Arjuna Award recipients as a "deep honour", saying the recognition has motivated her to work harder and give her best for the country.
Pakistan men, women teams set for continental hockey challenge
LAHORE: The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has officially unveiled the fixtures for the Junior Asia Cup 2026, to be staged in Muchi, China, from September 4 to 13.
PHF launches coaching education programme
The first phase brings together coaches for hands-on training led by Dutch expert Herman Kruis
Zulfiqar Baig
Photo: AFP
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) today formally inaugurated Phase 1 of its national coaching education program, marking a significant step toward modernizing the sport's technical standards and tactical frameworks across the country.
Veldhof takes charge as Pakistan’s hockey coach
LAHORE: Dutch coach Bob Veldhof, who once vowed never to return to Pakistan due to unpaid dues and systemic dysfunction, has now taken charge as head coach of the national team at the Hockey World Cup. His comeback signals what he believes is a genuine transformation within Pakistan hockey.
Hockey Association of Odisha, Hockey Madhya Pradesh register commanding wins in Division A
Pune, Maharashtra: The 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2026 witnessed another day of competitive action in Division ‘A’ in Pune, Maharashtra, with Hockey Chandigarh, Hockey Association of Odisha and Hockey Madhya Pradesh registering convincing victories, while Manipur Hockey edged past Hockey Maharashtra in a closely contested Pool C encounter.