News for 22 August 2026
All the news for Saturday 22 August 2026
FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026
Wagener Hockey Stadium (NED) - Belfius Hockey Arena (BEL)
All times GMT +2
Men
21 Aug 2026 11:00 FRA v RSA (H) 1 - 3 Belfius Hockey Arena
21 Aug 2026 14:00 IRL v MAS (H) 7 - 4 Belfius Hockey Arena
21 Aug 2026 17:00 GER v ESP (F) 1 - 2 Belfius Hockey Arena
21 Aug 2026 20:30 AUS v BEL (F) 1 - 1 Belfius Hockey Arena
22 Aug 2026 10:00 NZL v WAL (G) Wagener Hockey Stadium
22 Aug 2026 13:00 PAK v JPN (G) Wagener Hockey Stadium
22 Aug 2026 16:00 NED v IND (E) Wagener Hockey Stadium
22 Aug 2026 19:00 ENG v ARG (E) 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
Pool standings
Women
21 Aug 2026 09:30 JPN v RSA (G) 1 - 1 Wagener Hockey Stadium
21 Aug 2026 12:30 ENG v CHI (G) 4 - 1 Wagener Hockey Stadium
21 Aug 2026 15:00 CHN v AUS (E) 1 - 1 Wagener Hockey Stadium
21 Aug 2026 18:00 NED v IND (E) 2 - 0 Wagener Hockey Stadium
22 Aug 2026 11:30 IRL v SCO (H) Belfius Hockey Arena
22 Aug 2026 14:30 USA v NZL (H) Belfius Hockey Arena
22 Aug 2026 17:30 GER v BEL (F) Belfius Hockey Arena
22 Aug 2026 21:00 ARG v ESP (F) 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
Pool standings
FIH Match Centre
Dutch delight as defending champions sail through to semi-finals
Defending champions the Netherlands became the first team to confirm their place in the semi-finals of the FIH Hockey World Cup with victory over India’s women as the Second Stage of matches got underway across Wavre and Amsterdam on Friday.
Mokoena strikes as South Africa earn first World Cup point against Japan
South Africa secured their first point of the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Japan at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Friday morning, as Ntsopa Mokoena opened the scoring in a dramatic final quarter.
Hockeyroos fight back to secure crucial point against China
The Hockeyroos’ World Cup campaign will go down to the wire after Australia fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against China in a tense Pool E encounter.
Indian women’s team goes down fighting 0-2 against defending champions Netherlands at FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
The win helped the Dutch team to secure their entry into the semi-finals of the tournament
Amstelveen: Indian women’s team’s hopes of progressing to the semi-finals of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 suffered a setback as defending champions Netherlands secured a 2-0 victory in their opening second-stage match at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Friday.
Indian lasses Lose to Hosts, but Semi-final Hopes Stay Alive
K ARUMUGAM
India went down 0-2 to the hosts in their latest Pool E match, but their hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals remain alive after Australia held China to a 1-1 draw earlier in the day.
India loses to Netherlands in Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 second-round match
India sits fourth in the standings but the 1-1 draw between Australia and China, earlier in the day, left the door still open for a spot in the semifinals.
Aashin Prasad
India resisted in a hard-fought 0-2 loss in the second round of the World Cup. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
There was an orange wave sweeping the stands as the Wagener Stadion in Amstelveen, Netherlands, was bathed in the summer sunlight, well past the Friday evening pushback.
India suffer 2-0 defeat against Netherlands in FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026
Amstelveen [Netherlands]): The Indian women's hockey team suffered a 0-2 defeat against the Netherlands after a hard-fought encounter, with the Dutch side maintaining their dominance through penalty corner goals from Yibbi Jansen and Frederique Matla in the ongoing FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026.
‘We dared to play hockey’: Coach Marijne praises India’s effort despite loss to Netherlands in Women’s World Cup
Despite going a goal down after just 83 seconds, India didn’t allow the free-scoring Netherlands to run away and made it work hard for its win. The Dutch managed to score only two Penalty Corner goals.
Aashin Prasad
Coach Sjoerd Marijne felt having back-to-back matches in just a little over 24 hours played a part in India’s lack of control in the final quarter. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
Sjoerd Marijne praised India’s performance in its 0-2 defeat to defending champion Netherlands in the World Cup but rued his team’s failure to capitalise on its chances in front of goal.
Cassiem brothers fire South Africa past France for first World Cup victory
South Africa claimed their first victory of the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup with an impressive 3-1 win over France in their opening Pool H classification encounter at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre on Friday.
Cassiem brothers star as SA men's hockey team beat France to record first World Cup win
Rowan Callaghan
Forward Mustapha Cassiem netted two of his team's three goals against France on Friday to earn South Africa's first victory at the FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Image: World Sport Pics/FIH
South Africa's men finally claimed their first victory of the FIH Hockey World Cup on Friday, while the women's team also registered a tournament milestone by earning their first point in the 9th–16th classification phase.
South Africa Make Their Mark Against Hockey Heavyweights
South Africa held three-time champions Australia to a 2-2 draw, producing a performance that underlines the determination behind a team fighting for recognition on the international stage.
by Karabo Peter
Photo Credit: ES Media (Facebook)
South Africa’s 2-2 draw against three-time world champions Australia at the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup was about more than just securing a point. It was a reminder of the talent, determination and resilience within a South African hockey system where many players balance their international careers with full-time jobs, self-fund their campaigns and rely on sponsorship to help cover the costs of competing abroad.
Ireland return to World Cup winning ways in chaotic eleven-goal encounter with Malaysia
IRELAND 7 – 4 MALAYSIA
Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Men’s Hockey team return to winning ways at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, securing a 7-4 win over Malaysia in their first of two Pool H matches. Ireland were quick out of the blocks scoring four unanswered goals in less than twenty five minutes, Jonny Lynch grabbing a hattrick and Matthew Nelson getting on the scoresheet. Malaysia pulled a goal back before half-time, with a hectic third quarter following that saw both sides score twice. Ireland regained control in the final quarter, adding their seventh, but Malaysia were the last to find the net, scoring a consolation to see the match end 7-4.
Malaysia outclassed 7-4 by Ireland in World Cup hockey match
By Aftar Singh
Courtesy Pic
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia were beaten 7-4 by Ireland in a World Cup
Carolan under pressure after Malaysia suffer heavy Ireland defeat
By Aftar Singh
Malaysia hockey team in blue in action against Ireland at the Hockey World Cup in Wavre, Belgium on Friday. -- PIC by FIH
KUALA LUMPUR: South African coach Brendon Carolan is under pressure.
Ireland one win away from best World Cup finish
By Nigel Ringland
Jonny Lynch celebrates one of his three goals against Malaysia. Image source, World Sport Pics
Ireland put the disappointment of missing out on a top-eight place behind them by taking a major step towards their best ever finish at a hockey World Cup thanks to a 7-4 win over Malaysia.
‘Every match is a final’ for new Hockey World Cup format
Spain were worthy winners against Germany PIC: FIH/WorldSportPics
It was Spain’s Marc Reyne who said of the new World Cup format that “every match is a final” – and he wasn’t wrong.
Late drama as resilient Kookaburras share points with Belgium
The Kookaburras have walked away with a point after a tense 1-1 draw with Belgium, with a potential match-winner ruled out in the dying seconds.
India-Netherlands: A journey into their World Cup Numbers which Tell a Story of Their Own
K.ARUMUGAM
When the Netherlands take on India this evening, the match will carry a statistical significance well beyond the immediate race for World Cup progress. For the Netherlands, it will be their 110th World Cup match, while India will be making their 105th appearance in the history of the tournament. Those milestones provide a fascinating backdrop to a contest between two of the most experienced nations in World Cup hockey.
No excuses: India needs 60 minutes of pure hockey to stun Netherlands in World Cup
India has no other option but to win against the Netherlands when both teams square off in phase two of the men's hockey World Cup on Saturday, August 22. India will need to sharpen themselves in defence and other areas to ensure that their semi-final hopes don't come to an end.
Alan Jose John
Harmanpreet wants his side to play their best hockey against the Dutch (Courtesy: Hockey India)
The equation is simple for the Indian men's hockey team. The margin for error doesn't exist and certainly, there is no more space to have excuses. India will head into the clash against reigning Olympic Champions, the Netherlands, knowing that only a win will do for them.
Why India’s midfield holds key against Netherlands
India's biggest battle against the Netherlands may be fought far from the circle, with midfield control likely to decide who dictates Saturday's clash.
by Mihir Vasavda
The more time India spend in the attacking half, the more opportunities there are for Harmanpreet to influence the game with his stick. (Hockey India Photo)The more time India spend in the attacking half, the more opportunities there are for Harmanpreet to influence the game with his stick. (Hockey India Photo)
The most important battle when India face the Netherlands on Saturday may take place nowhere near either circle.
Harmanpreet sits out training with back injury, expected to play in India vs Netherlands
Even as the Indian attacking Penalty Corner unit went through their routines, Harmanpreet Singh only watched on from close quarters, as India worked on its variations.
Aashin Prasad
Harmanpreet Singh has been focal to India’s fortunes in the ongoing World Cup, leading the scoring charts with five goals, all of them coming from Penalty Corners. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
India skipper Harmanpreet Singh sat out the training a day before its crucial World Cup second round match against Netherlands on Saturday.
India vs Netherlands: What happened the last time these teams met before Men’s Hockey World Cup?
India beat the Netherlands 3-2 in their last meeting in the FIH Pro League. Here is what happened in Rotterdam before their Hockey World Cup clash.
Jugraj Singh will hope to emulate his goal-scoring form from the last meeting between India and Netherlands at the Hockey Pro League. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
India heads into its Hockey World Cup clash against the Netherlands on Sunday with a recent victory over the host to draw on.
Pakistan face tough task to keep FIH 12th ranking
Abdul Mohi Shah
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan face a crucial battle against Japan on Saturday (today) afternoon as they seek to keep their World No 12 ranking intact and remain in contention for a ninth-to-12th-place finish at the World Cup.
South African hockey player reflects on her world tour in green and gold
From starting out at age six to competing at the Olympics, South African hockey star Hannah Pearce has traveled the world through the sport she loves.
Asanda Matlhare
South African women's hockey player Hannah Pearce passes the ball. Photo: ACK Sport Photography
Hannah Pearce, South African women’s hockey player, who also plays for the Wanderers Hockey Club’s first team, said that the sport has not only been a blessing in her life; it has taken her all over the world.
England hockey player got 'hooked' at local club
PJ Ellis and Andrew Dawkins
Nick Bandurak has scored three goals at the World Cup this week. Getty Images
A hockey player representing England in the World Cup says his first club "still holds a very, very fond place" in his heart.
FIH Para Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026
Amstelveen (NED)
Senior Coed ParaHockey
All times GMT +2
21 Aug 2026 10:00 GER v FRA (A) 2 - 2
21 Aug 2026 10:00 IRL v USA (A) 5 - 2
21 Aug 2026 10:00 BUL v ENG (B) 5 - 3
21 Aug 2026 10:00 CHI v ARG (B) 1 - 3
21 Aug 2026 11:15 BEL v ZAM (A) 5 - 0 Forfeit
21 Aug 2026 11:15 ITA v PAK (A) 6 - 0
21 Aug 2026 11:15 NED v MAS (B) 2 - 2
21 Aug 2026 11:15 ESP v IND (B) 5 - 2
21 Aug 2026 15:00 GER v USA (A) 12 - 0
21 Aug 2026 15:00 ZAM v IRL (A) 0 - 5 Forfeit
21 Aug 2026 15:00 BUL v ARG (B) 8 - 1
21 Aug 2026 15:00 MAS v CHI (B) 3 - 0
21 Aug 2026 16:15 ITA v FRA (A) 8 - 1
21 Aug 2026 16:15 BEL v PAK (A) 8 - 1
21 Aug 2026 16:15 ESP v ENG (B) 6 - 2
21 Aug 2026 16:15 NED v IND (B) 5 - 0
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)
22 Aug 2026 11:15 PAK v ZAM (A) Postponed
22 Aug 2026 11:15 ENG v CHI (B)
22 Aug 2026 11:15 IND v MAS (B)
22 Aug 2026 15:00 FRA v ZAM (A)
22 Aug 2026 15:00 USA v PAK (A)
22 Aug 2026 15:00 ENG v MAS (B)
22 Aug 2026 15:00 ARG v IND (B)
22 Aug 2026 16:15 BEL v ITA (A)
22 Aug 2026 16:15 GER v IRL (A)
22 Aug 2026 16:15 NED v ESP (B)
22 Aug 2026 16:15 BUL v CHI (B)
23 Aug 2026 10:00 PAK v IRL (A)
23 Aug 2026 10:00 ZAM v USA (A)
23 Aug 2026 10:00 IND v CHI (B)
23 Aug 2026 10:00 MAS v ARG (B)
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)
Pool standings
FIH Match Centre
The Action Continues for USA at 2026 FIH Para Hockey World Cup
Louvain-La-Neuve, BELGIUM – The competition continued for USA on day two of the 2026 FIH Para Hockey World Cup in Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium. USA's Hockey ii (intellectual impairment) team showed marked improvement on both defense and attack to open up the day.
Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Haryana book final berths at Junior Women National Championship
Hockey Jharkhand edge Hockey Madhya Pradesh in shootout; Hockey Haryana thrash Chhattisgarh Hockey 8-0
Pune, Maharashtra: Hockey Jharkhand and Hockey Haryana secured their places in the final of the 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2026 – Division ‘A’ after contrasting victories in their respective semi-finals in Pune on Thursday.