News for 21 August 2026
All the news for Friday 21 August 2026
FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026
Wagener Hockey Stadium (NED) - Belfius Hockey Arena (BEL)
All times GMT +2
Men
20 Aug 2026 11:00 AUS v RSA (C) 2 - 2 Belfius Hockey Arena
20 Aug 2026 12:30 NZL v ARG (A) 1 - 7 Wagener Hockey Stadium
20 Aug 2026 17:00 IRL v ESP (C) 1 - 3 Belfius Hockey Arena
20 Aug 2026 18:00 NED v JPN (A) 4 - 1 Wagener Hockey Stadium
21 Aug 2026 11:00 FRA v RSA (H) Belfius Hockey Arena
21 Aug 2026 14:00 IRL v MAS (H) Belfius Hockey Arena
21 Aug 2026 17:00 GER v ESP (F) Belfius Hockey Arena
21 Aug 2026 20:30 AUS v BEL (F) 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
Pool standings
Women
20 Aug 2026 09:30 CHN v RSA (D) 5 - 1 Wagener Hockey Stadium
20 Aug 2026 14:00 NZL v ESP (C) 0 - 3 Belfius Hockey Arena
20 Aug 2026 15:00 IND v ENG (D) 0 - 0 Wagener Hockey Stadium
20 Aug 2026 20:30 BEL v IRL (C) 2 - 1 Belfius Hockey Arena
21 Aug 2026 09:30 JPN v RSA (G) 1 - 1 Wagener Hockey Stadium
21 Aug 2026 12:30 ENG v CHI (G) Wagener Hockey Stadium
21 Aug 2026 15:00 CHN v AUS (E) Wagener Hockey Stadium
21 Aug 2026 18:00 NED v IND (E) 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 BEL v GER (F) Belfius Hockey Arena
22 Aug 2026 20:30 ARG v ESP (F) Belfius Hockey Arena
Pool standings
FIH Match Centre
Late drama lights up final day of Pool action at FIH Hockey World Cup
Late goals, standout performances, hard-fought draws and a couple of surprises highlighted a dramatic final day of Pool matches at the FIH Hockey World Cup, as teams battled to keep their title hopes alive.
Nine European sides advance to next phase of FIH World Cup
Nine European teams have advanced to the last eight phase of the men’s and women’s FIH World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Hockey World Cup digest: Tom Boon and Yibbi Jansen to the fore
Danger man Tom Boon scored four for co-hosts PIC: FIH/WorldSportPics
Australia kept their Women’s World Cup hopes alive with a last-gasp 4-4 draw against Chile following a pulsating final quarter, qualifying in second behind the Netherlands.
Kookaburras forced fight back to secure draw against South Africa
The Kookaburras have been held to a 2-2 draw by South Africa in a physical and fast-paced World Cup encounter, with Australia fighting back from a goal down before the points were ultimately shared.
Cassiem brace inspires South Africa to superb draw with Australia
South Africa produced their finest performance of the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup so far, holding three-time champions Australia to a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre on Thursday.
South Africa hold Australia to Hockey World Cup draw thanks to Mustapha Cassiem brace
Rowan Callaghan
South Africa's potent attacking weapon Mustapha Cassiem tormenteed the Australian defence in their final FIH World Cup pool match on Thursday, netting both goals as the teams shared the shared the spoils. Image: World Sport Pics/FIH
South Africa's men signed off their FIH Hockey World Cup pool campaign with a statement performance on Thursday, holding three-time champions Australia to a thrilling 2–2 draw, while the SA women's team suffered a 5–1 defeat to China.
South Africa finish Hockey World Cup pool stages with contrasting results
MORGAN PIEK
Mustapha Cassiem. Photo: World Sport Pics/FIH
South Africa brought their respective FIH Hockey World Cup pool campaigns to a close on Thursday with contrasting results, as the women suffered a 5–1 defeat to China in Amstelveen.
National hockey teams to compete in bottom half of World Cup placing matches
The SA men's and women's squads finished bottom of their pools in the opening round.
HOCKEY NEWS - Despite the national men’s side putting up a fight on Thursday to pick up their only point of the opening round, both SA teams have been relegated to lower-tier classification matches at the men’s and women’s Hockey World Cup tournaments taking place concurrently in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Two South African Hockey Stars Celebrate World Cup Milestones
Taheera Augousti earned her 50th international cap against India, while captain Dayaan Cassiem made his 100th appearance for South Africa at the tournament.
by Karabo Peter
Photo Credit: South African Hockey Association (Facebook)
With the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup already underway in Belgium and the Netherlands, South African hockey has had two major milestones for players in the green and gold.
Black Sticks big losses at FIH Hockey World Cup
The Black Sticks Men started strong but were well-beaten by Argentina at the FIH Hockey World Cup PHOTO: FIH
A tough day for the Black Sticks at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, with both teams falling short of the quarterfinals and destined for the Classification Stage.
Ireland’s World Cup Semi-Final hopes dashed with defeat to Spain
Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Men’s Hockey Team suffered a 3-1 defeat to Spain in their final Pool C match of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. Having gone a goal behind, Ireland’s Lee Cole converted calmy from the spot to draw Ireland level. Spain however mounted a final quarter push, scoring twice to secure the win and take second place in Pool C. The result means Ireland now move to Pool H where they will face Malaysia and France to determine which final ranking match they will play in.
Ireland lose to Spain to miss out on quarter-final
By Nigel Ringland
Sean Murray in action against Spain Image source, Getty Images
Two fourth-quarter goals from Spanish forward Marc Reyne were enough to end Ireland’s hopes of a top-eight finish at the World Cup as Mark Tumilty’s side fell to a 3-1 defeat.
South Africa show fight but China pull clear in Pool D finale
South Africa concluded the pool stage of their FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup campaign with a 5-1 defeat against China at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Thursday morning, bringing Pool D to a close for the African side.
Focus now shifts to 9 - 16 playoffs for both Vantage Black Sticks teams
Pool play has come to an end at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, with both the Vantage Black Sticks Men and Women now preparing for the Classification Stage.
Indian women’s team holds England to a draw, stay in race to semis at FIH World Cup 2026
India faced a flurry of English attacks in the final two quarters but a resolute defence helped the team secure a goalless draw, which was enough to take them through to next phose with semifinals dream intact; they will now meet the Netherlands and Australia in the next phase
Amstelveen:India’s women’s hockey team held their nerve under sustained pressure to secure a goalless draw against England in their concluding Pool D match of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen on Thursday, a result that saw them finish second in the pool and advance to the next round with five points to keep their semi-final chances alive.
Bichu Devi Hockey World Cup heroics show it’s not just Savita’s job anymore
In the past, the job of bailing out this Indian team had been Savita’s task. But Savita and the Indian management have begun to place their trust in Bichu, which has been reaping rewards.
Aashin Prasad
Indian women’s team management has begun to place trust on Bichu Devi and is reaping rewards. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
Sjoerd Marijne had his hands on his head, sinking to the ground, half-expecting the turf to open up and swallow him. Next to him, Savita Punia, who was subbed out for the fourth quarter, anxiously looked on.
England women's World Cup hopes end at group stage
By Mike Peter
Lily Owsley of England crouched down with her head in her hands Image source, Getty Images
England women's hopes of success at the FIH Hockey World Cup ended at the group stage after a 0-0 draw with India.
"We are happy, but we want more": Coach Marijne calls for improvement after India Women's draw against England at FIH Hockey WC
Amstelveen [Netherlands]: Indian women's hockey team head coach Sjoerd Marijne stressed that while the team are pleased with their progress, they remain hungry for greater improvement, saying, "We are happy, but we want more." His remarks came after India advanced to the second round of the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 following a 0-0 draw against England in their final Pool D match, which saw them finish second behind China.
‘We just have to deal with it’: India coach Marijne on tight schedule at Women’s Hockey World Cup
India will only have less than 24 hours to gear up for its second-round opener against Netherlands, while the Dutch had an extra day to prepare for this fixture.
Aashin Prasad
Marijne hailed his team’s defensive structure in the face of mounting pressure from England, but called for improvement with its own attacking Penalty Corners. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
In the final few minutes, Sjoerd Marijne was pacing up and down the sidelines as India was clinging on against England’s barrage of attacks.
Late Belgium comeback ends Ireland’s World Cup Semi-Final Fight
IRELAND 1 – 2 BELGIUM
Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team suffered a 2-1 defeat to hosts and World #3 Belgium in their final FIH Hockey World Cup Pool C match. Ireland led in the opening quarter thanks to a Charlotte Beggs goal and could have had a second having been initially awarded a penalty stroke in the second quarter, but it was controversially overturned. Ireland maintained their lead until the final quarter, but Belgium’s pressure eventually gave way as the Red Panthers scored twice in the final eleven minutes to secure the win they needed to top Pool C. The result means Ireland will now move to Pool H where they will face Scotland and the USA to determine which final ranking match they will play in.
Ireland fail to make last eight after Belgium defeat
By Nigel Ringland
Ireland celebrate taking the lead against Belgium Image source, Getty Images
Ireland gave world-ranked three co-hosts Belgium the fright of their lives before succumbing to two third-period goals in a 2-1 defeat at the World Cup.
Belgian defeat sees Ireland's World Cup dream come to end
Ireland 1-2 Belgium
Kathryn Mullan of Ireland reacts after her side's defeat in the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 Pool C match between Belgium and Ireland at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium. (Photo By Ben McShane/Spo
Ireland's Women's World Cup dream is over after a 2-1 defeat to host nation Belgium following a gutsy display in the Belfius Hockey Arena.
Las Leonas qualify for field hockey World Cup second round. Who are they playing?
Argentina’s women’s national team beat Scotland 2-0 and will feature in Pool C, with a helping hand from results elsewhere
Fernando Romero Nuñez
Argentina’s women’s national field hockey team, better known as Las Leonas, is gearing up for the second round of the 2026 World Cup in The Netherlands and Belgium.
Horrible hockey show
Many blame the Pakistan Hockey Federation for failing to build a system that nurtures talent
Pakistan's disastrous run at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup was capped off with a 5-3 defeat to arch-rivals India, in which the boys in green were thoroughly outplayed. The Pakistan team was knocked out with just a solitary point to show - from a draw against Wales. While nobody seriously expected Pakistan to seriously challenge for the trophy, as the most successful team in World Cup history, there was still hope that the team would hold its own.
Former Olympians disappointed by Pakistan’s exit
LAHORE: Former Olympians have voiced deep sorrow and frustration following Pakistan’s exit from the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, where the national team lost 3–5 to India in their final Group D match. The defeat not only ended Pakistan’s campaign but also reignited long-standing concerns about the state of hockey in the country.
Netherlands challenge awaits Indian men’s and women’s teams as road to semis intensifies
The Indian men’s and women’s teams progressed to the second stage of the tournament finishing second in their respective pools and will now take on the tournament’s co-hosts in what will be a stern test
Amstelveen: The Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams face a stern test against the Netherlands to begin their respective second-stage campaigns at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, which is being held simultaneously for both men and women.
No room for error as India faces stern Dutch test in Men’s Hockey World Cup second-round opener
India’s biggest concern remains its tendency to lose control after making strong starts. It led Pakistan 3-0 and 4-1 before allowing the arch-rival to fight back in a 5-3 victory, while a 2-1 half-time lead against England slipped away as it conceded twice in the third quarter and eventually lost 2-4.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek are in good form in this Men’s Hockey World Cup. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
India will face its biggest test when it takes on co-host and reigning Olympic champion the Netherlands in the World Cup second round opener here on Saturday, aware that there is virtually no room for error in its bid to reach the semifinals.
India stunned Netherlands in 2025. Can it do that again at the Women’s Hockey World Cup?
India faces three-time defending champion Netherlands at the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup. Can its 2025 shootout upset inspire another shock?
Savita Punia was the star of the show as India beat the Dutch on penalties in the Pro League in 2025. | Photo Credit: BISWARANJAN ROUT
Three-time defending champion Netherlands stands between India and a place in the next stage of the Women’s Hockey World Cup on Friday, making their most recent meeting an intriguing source of inspiration. When the teams last met in February 2025 in the FIH Pro League, India stunned the world No. 1, Olympic and world champion, beating the Dutch 2-1 in a shootout after fighting back from two goals down.
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
0 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) 5 - 0 Forfeit
20 Aug 2026 11:15 BUL v MAS (B) 2 - 4
20 Aug 2026 11:30 FRA v PAK (A) 3 - 2
20 Aug 2026 11:30 ENG v IND (B) 6 - 3
20 Aug 2026 15:00 ITA v ZAM (A) 5 - 0 Forfeit
20 Aug 2026 15:00 NED v CHI (B) 16 - 0
20 Aug 2026 15:00 ESP v MAS (B) 4 - 2
20 Aug 2026 15:00 BEL v IRL (A) 8 - 1
20 Aug 2026 16:15 GER v PAK (A) 3 - 2
20 Aug 2026 16:15 FRA v USA (A) 13 - 1
20 Aug 2026 16:15 BUL v IND (B) 7 - 2
20 Aug 2026 16:15 ENG v ARG (B) 4 - 1
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)
21 Aug 2026 11:15 ITA v PAK (A)
21 Aug 2026 11:15 NED v MAS (B)
21 Aug 2026 11:15 ESP v IND (B)
21 Aug 2026 15:00 GER v USA (A)
21 Aug 2026 15:00 ZAM v IRL (A)
21 Aug 2026 15:00 BUL v ARG (B)
21 Aug 2026 15:00 MAS v CHI (B)
21 Aug 2026 16:15 ITA v FRA (A)
21 Aug 2026 16:15 BEL v PAK (A)
21 Aug 2026 16:15 ESP v ENG (B)
21 Aug 2026 16:15 NED v IND (B)
Pool standings
FIH Match Centre
First-ever FIH Para Hockey World Cup underway
A new chapter in hockey history began today as the inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 got underway, bringing together athletes from around the world to compete for the first-ever Para Hockey World Cup title.
USA Finishes Historic First Day of Competition at 2026 FIH Para Hockey World Cup
Louvain-La-Neuve, BELGIUM – The moment USA’s Hockey ii (intellectual impairment) team stepped onto the pitch today at Louvain-La-Neuve HC, they were making history. The eight athletes lined up, stood for the national anthem, and then they were ready to play in match one of the first-ever FIH Para Hockey World Cup.
Pakistan Hockey League to be staged in first quarter of 2027: PHF
PHF says working tirelessly with partners to make league 'landmark success story' for Pakistan Hockey
By Atique ur Rehman
Pakistan players sing national anthem ahead of their FIH Nations Cup Pool B match against New Zealand at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on June 18, 2025. — FIH/File
LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Thursday announced that the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Hockey League will be staged in the first quarter of 2027, describing the development as the dawn of a new era for the country in its national sport.
PHF launches grassroots hockey initiative
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), in collaboration with the Sports Department and School Education Department of the Government of Punjab, is set to launch the first phase of its ambitious Grassroots Hockey Revival Programme from Rawalpindi Division.
EuroHockey Institute to support research into physiological demands of walking hockey
Walking hockey is growing steadily across Europe. For many, it offers a way to stay involved in the sport after they have stepped away from the traditional game, whether because of injury concerns, age, fitness levels, or simply changing priorities.