News for 20 August 2026
All the news for Thursday 20 August 2026
FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026
Wagener Hockey Stadium (NED) - Belfius Hockey Arena (BEL)
All times GMT +2
Men
19 Aug 2026 12:30 ENG v WAL (D) 8 - 2 Wagener Hockey Stadium
19 Aug 2026 15:00 PAK v IND (D) 3 - 5 Wagener Hockey Stadium
19 Aug 2026 17:00 FRA v GER (B) 1 - 1 Belfius Hockey Arena
19 Aug 2026 20:30 BEL v MAS (B) 5 - 3 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
21 Aug 2026 11:00 FRA v RSA (H) Belfius Hockey Arena
21 Aug 2026 14:00 ESP/IRL v MAS (H) Belfius Hockey Arena
21 Aug 2026 17:00 AUS v BEL (F) Belfius Hockey Arena
21 Aug 2026 20:30 GER v ESP/IRL (F) Belfius Hockey Arena
Pool standings
Women
19 Aug 2026 09:30 CHI v AUS (A) 4 - 4 Wagener Hockey Stadium
19 Aug 2026 11:00 ARG v SCO (B) 2 - 0 Belfius Hockey Arena
19 Aug 2026 14:00 USA v GER (B) 1 - 3 Belfius Hockey Arena
19 Aug 2026 18:00 NED v JPN (A) 9 - 0 Wagener Hockey Stadium
20 Aug 2026 09:30 CHN v RSA (D) 5 - 1 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
21 Aug 2026 09:30 ENG/IND v SCO (G) Wagener Hockey Stadium
21 Aug 2026 12:30 USA v RSA (G) Wagener Hockey Stadium
21 Aug 2026 15:00 CHN/IND v AUS (E) Wagener Hockey Stadium
21 Aug 2026 18:00 NED v IND/CHN/ENG (E) Wagener Hockey Stadium
Pool standings
FIH Match Centre
Jansen and Boon lead goal rush as Pool Stage reaches climax
The Netherlands women and England’s men signed off the Pool Stage of the FIH Hockey World Cup with emphatic victories on Wednesday, as two of the four Pools in both the men’s and women’s tournaments were decided.
Hockeyroos fight back to secure dramatic draw against Chile
The Hockeyroos have fought until the final seconds to secure a dramatic 4-4 draw against Chile at the FIH Hockey World Cup, keeping their tournament hopes alive in a thrilling encounter played in wet conditions.
Scotland Show Determination Despite 2-0 Defeat to Argentina in Final World Cup Pool Match
Scotland Women returned to action at the Belfius Hockey Arena for their third match of the FIH Hockey World Cup, facing Argentina with a determination to finish their challenging pool stage with a strong performance.
USWNT Finish FIH Hockey World Cup Pool Play with Loss to Germany
WAVRE, Belgium – The No. 10 U.S. Women’s National Team fought throughout their final pool match at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, but ultimately fell to No. 6 Germany, 3-1. Die Danas built an early advantage before USA found a spark, but the United Eagles were unable to complete the comeback.
England men create group stage first
Henry Croft fired home to make it 7-0 PIC: FIH/WorldSportPics
England men recorded a Men’s World Cup first on Wednesday as they completed a 100 per cent group stage finish for the first time in the sport’s showpiece.
England beat Wales to finish top of World Cup pool
By Gareth Bailey
England's Will Calnan celebrates scoring against Wales with team-mates Image source, Getty Images
England underlined their credentials as potential Hockey World Cup winners by sealing top spot in Pool D with an 8-2 win over Wales.
India beat Pakistan 5-3 to finish second in Pool D, stay in Semi-Final race
The win took India to six points, which helped the team finish on second spot in Pool D and stay in the race to semis alongside England who topped the pool
Amstelveen: India produced a commanding yet hard-fought performance to defeat Pakistan 5-3 in their concluding Pool D match of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen on Wednesday. The victory saw India finish second in the pool and keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive. England topped Pool D with three consecutive wins, while Pakistan and Wales will now compete in the classification phase.
Impressive Scoreboard, Unimpressive Form: India Beat Pakistan 5-3
K ARUMUGAM
An impressive scoreboard but an unimpressive performance perhaps best sums up India’s 5-3 victory over traditional rivals Pakistan in their final Pool D match of the Men’s Hockey World Cup.The victory nevertheless served its most important purpose. The reigning Asian Games champions moved into the next stage after finishing second in Pool D behind England. It is a step forward from India’s previous World Cup campaign, when they failed to reach the quarter-finals.
Playing Like Millionaires, India Squander Chances Galore
The 5-3 score-line was not a result that gave India much satisfaction, other than securing them passage into the next round.
By Sandeep Nakai
India beat Pakistan 5-3 in men's Hockey World Cup 2026 Pool D match on August 19. (Picture Credit: X/@TheHockeyIndia)
The prodigal Indian style of hockey was on full view at Amstelveen’s Wagenar Stadium in the sub-continental encounter with Pakistan that Harmanpreet Singh’s team won by two goals, but only after squandering half a dozen scoring opportunities.
India knocks Pakistan out of Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, advances to second round
After the England defeat, Craig Fulton would be pleased with the side ticking off the first target of the World Cup by securing qualification to the top eight phase.
Aashin Prasad
India captain Harmanpreet Singh (left) and forward Abhishek both bagged braces against Pakistan. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
It was, at times, too easy for India, even if it wasn’t at its best.
Abhishek's brace and Harmanpreet's heroics help India seal key win over Pakistan
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh and striker Abhishek scored a brace each as India extended their decade‑long unbeaten run over arch‑rivals Pakistan with a thrilling 5‑3 win in a Pool D clash at the FIH World Cup 2026.
The India hockey team defeated Pakistan in the pool stage match at FIH Men's World Cup 2026. Image: PTI
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh and striker Abhishek scored a brace each as India extended their decade-long unbeaten run over arch-rivals Pakistan with a 5-3 win in a high-voltage FIH World Cup Pool D match here on Thursday to advance to the second round.
India knock Pakistan out of World Cup
Harmanpreet Singh scores twice as India win Group D clash 5-3
Alam Zeb Safi
Photo: The Express Tribune
KARACHI: India downed Pakistan 5-3 in a pulsating Group D clash at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Wednesday, knocking their arch-rivals out of the FIH Hockey World Cup after the Green-shirts suffered their second defeat of the tournament.
Defence collapse ends Pakistan’s Hockey WC hopes
Abdul Mohi Shah
ISLAMABAD: A disastrous defensive start, woeful man-to-man marking and a string of costly mistakes condemned Pakistan to a 5-3 defeat against arch-rivals India on Wednesday, ending the Green Shirts’ hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the FIH Hockey World Cup. Pakistan’s failure to contain India in the opening stages of the crucial encounter proved decisive as the neighbours raced into a commanding three-goal lead within the first 20 minutes.
Pakistan crash out of Hockey World Cup after 5-3 defeat to India
LAHORE - India ended Pakistan’s Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a 5-3 victory over their arch-rivals in a Pool D clash at the Wagener Stadium on Wednesday, leaving the Green Shirts without a win in the tournament.
Pakistan knocked out of Hockey World Cup with gruelling defeat against India
Green Shirts fail to register single victory in drought-ending Hockey World Cup appearance
India's Abhishek (left) celebrates scoring their fourth goal during the FIH Hockey World Cup match against Pakistan at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on August 19, 2026. — Screengrab via Livestream
AMSTELVEEN: Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek both scored a brace as India inflicted a crushing 5-3 defeat on arch-rivals Pakistan in the high-stakes Pool D clash of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 here at the Wagener Stadium on Wednesday.
Pakistan out of Hockey World Cup after India loss, extends 32-year wait for podium finish
With this loss, the Green Shirts finished last in the four-team Pool D with just a single point from three matches.
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan had lost 1-4 to England and drawn 3-3 with Wales. | Photo Credit: AFP
Pakistan’s 32-year wait for an FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup podium finish continued after it lost to arch-rival India 3-5 and exited the 2026 edition on Wednesday.
India, Pakistan players shake hands ahead of Hockey World Cup 2026 match
Both teams have huge stakes in this match, with a win confirming their progression to the next round at this edition.
FILE PHOTO: Indian and Pakistani players walk into the pitch for the men's hockey final match of the 2014 Asian Games. | Photo Credit: AFP
India and Pakistan players greeted each other with high-fives ahead of their crucial FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 Pool-D match at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands on Wednesday.
India-Pakistan Players Skip Handshakes Before Match, But What Happened After Full-Time Wins Hearts
While politics often threatens to overshadow India-Pakistan encounters, the clash in Amstelveen showcased a modern display of sportsmanship.
Vedant Yadav
The intense battle on the field did not stop India and Pakistan from exchanging pleasantries.© FIH
The Indian men's hockey team swept past their arch-rivals Pakistan in emphatic fashion, beating them 5-3 in their final Pool D match of the FIH Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Wednesday. However, the intense battle on the field did not stop the teams from exchanging pleasantries, as the players shared high-fives before the start of the match. While politics often threatens to overshadow India-Pakistan encounters, the clash in Amstelveen showcased a modern display of sportsmanship.
India getting punished for silly mistakes, says captain Harmanpreet
Ahead of a daunting second round, where India will likely face co-host Netherlands first, Harmanpreet stressed that his side needed to shore up the defence.
Aashin Prasad
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh is firing with his Penalty Corner conversions, taking his tally to tournament-high five goals. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
India head coach Craig Fulton was pleased with how his side managed the emotions and expectations of a World Cup game against Pakistan in its 5-3 victory here on Wednesday. The win ensured India’s passage to the next round after finishing second in the Pool behind England.
"We Made Silly Mistakes": India Hockey Captain Harmanpreet Singh Gives Big Warning Despite Beating Pakistan
India may have emerged on the right side of a high-octane contest against Pakistan on Wednesday, but captain Harmanpreet Singh believes that they cannot afford defensive lapses going into the business end of the FIH World Cup.
Harmanpreet Singh in action© Hockey India
India may have emerged on the right side of a high-octane contest against Pakistan on Wednesday, but captain Harmanpreet Singh believes that they cannot afford defensive lapses going into the business end of the FIH World Cup. India continued its decade-long winning run against their arch-rivals with a 5-3 win, but Harmanpreet was quick to identify the areas that need tightening before the next-round clash against the top teams. “Missing a few chances upfront is okay but we cannot afford any mistake at the back,” Harmanpreet said after the match.
Brave Speedy Tigers give world no. 1 Belgium a run for money
By Aftar Singh
Malaysia (in yellow) in action against Belgium during Wednesday’s World Cup Group B match in Wavre. PIC FROM FIH f3
KUALA LUMPUR: The national men's hockey team put up a spirited fight against hosts Belgium before falling 5-3 in their World Cup Group B match in Wavre on Wednesday.
Indian Women’s Team takes on England, eying top spot in Pool D of FIH World Cup 2026
India are currently ton top of Pool D, but only ahead of China on goal difference. The last two matches in the pool will decide who among India, China and England finishes in top two and stays in the race to the semi-finals
Amstelveen: The Indian Women’s Team will look to seal the top spot in Pool D when they take on England in their concluding fixture in the first phase of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen on Thursday, with the battle to stay in the race to the semi-finals finely poised. With only the top two teams from each of the four pools staying in that race, every moment of the final round of matches carries added significance.
Cassiem calls for SA Men’s Hockey team to step up after Ireland defeat
By Liam Maconi
South African Men’s national hockey player Mustapha Cassiem says the team is gutted by their 4-1 defeat to Ireland, admitting the team failed to convert chances.
South Africa’s Hockey Team Gives Fans a Glimpse Beyond the Pitch
An FIH Hockey Ride feature captures the team’s lighter side, while Onthatile Zulu explains what representing South Africa and the wider African hockey community means to the squad.
by Karabo Peter
Photo Credit: FIH
The South African hockey team is showing that there is more than one way to prepare for a World Cup and sometimes, all you need is a car, your teammates and a good set of voices.
Ireland men’s and women’s hockey teams on brink of World Cup last eight
Ireland men play Spain knowing that a point will see them reach the next pool phase while the women need to defeat Belgium.
Rod Gilmour
Ireland's Lee Cole warms up before the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 Pool C match against South Africa. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile.
Ireland men’s and women’s hockey teams stand 60 minutes away from both qualifying for the final eight at a dual World Cup for the first time today.
Ireland women's hockey team aim to tap into Kate O’Connor’s golden run as they face must-win game against hosts Belgium in World Cup
By Rod Gilmour
Ireland captain Sarah Hawkshaw celebrates with her mother Anne after the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup Pool C victory over New Zealand at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium © Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Ireland women head into their must-win Hockey World Cup clash with Belgium tonight (7.30pm) buoyed by the exploits of their sporting compatriots on the global stage.
Amstelveen feels like home but India finds little comforts on Hockey World Cup stage
India beat Pakistan 5-3 to enter the World Cup hockey second round, but a leaky defence and repeated errors raise doubts over its title credentials against Netherlands and Argentina.
Aashin Prasad
India needs to shore up its defensive capabilities in order to make a deep run in the ongoing Hockey World Cup.
There is no real away World Cup if you are an Indian team. You will be hard-pressed to go to a corner of the globe without running into an Indian. Amstelveen, one of the co-hosts of the World Cup, is no exception. The suburb south of Amsterdam is home to more Indians than any other nationality.
Seven years after near-blindness, England’s Sam Ward is ‘better than ever’
England forward Sam Ward plays hockey with near blindness in his left eye courtesy a horrific injury suffered on the turf. But he’s not allowed it to dictate the terms of his career.
Aashin Prasad
Since his return post recovery, he has scored 82 international goals, nearly matching his career tally at a slightly better rate pre-injury. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
On November 3, 2019, Sam Ward’s life changed overnight.
FIH Para Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026
Amstelveen (NED)
Senior Coed ParaHockey
All times GMT +2
20 Aug 2026 10:00 BEL v USA (A) 13 - 1
20 Aug 2026 10:00 NED v ARG (B) 6 - 0
20 Aug 2026 10:15 ITA v IRL (A) 12 - 0
20 Aug 2026 10:15 ESP v CHI (B) 9 - 1
20 Aug 2026 11:15 GER v ZAM (A)
20 Aug 2026 11:15 BUL v MAS (B)
20 Aug 2026 11:30 FRA v PAK (A)
20 Aug 2026 11:30 ENG v IND (B)
20 Aug 2026 15:00 ITA v ZAM (A)
20 Aug 2026 15:00 NED v CHI (B)
20 Aug 2026 15:00 ESP v MAS (B)
20 Aug 2026 15:00 BEL v IRL (A)
20 Aug 2026 16:15 GER v PAK (A)
20 Aug 2026 16:15 FRA v USA (A)
20 Aug 2026 16:15 BUL v IND (B)
20 Aug 2026 16:15 ENG v ARG (B)
Pool standings
FIH Match Centre
FIH Diversity and Inclusion Day on 20 August
The fifth edition of FIH Diversity and Inclusion Day will take place on 20 August 2026, coinciding with the start of the inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup.
Sports Board Punjab to distribute hockey gear among schools
LAHORE: In a major initiative to promote the national game of hockey, the Sports Board Punjab has announced that hockey equipment and kits will be provided to all schools registered with PHF’s National Hockey Portal across the province.