News for 29 August 2026
All the news for Saturday 29 August 2026
FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026
Wagener Hockey Stadium (NED) - Belfius Hockey Arena (BEL)
All times GMT +2
Men
28 Aug 2026 09:30 JPN v FRA (13/14) 1 - 3 Wagener Hockey Stadium
28 Aug 2026 11:00 WAL v MAS (15/16) 2 - 2 (SO 2 - 1) Belfius Hockey Arena
28 Aug 2026 12:30 PAK v RSA (11/12) 4 - 4 (SO 4 - 3) Wagener Hockey Stadium
28 Aug 2026 14:00 NZL v IRL (9/10) 6 - 3 Belfius Hockey Arena
28 Aug 2026 15:00 ENG v AUS (5/6) 0 - 2 Wagener Hockey Stadium
28 Aug 2026 18:00 IND v BEL (7/8) 3 - 3 (SO 3 - 4) Belfius Hockey Arena
28 Aug 2026 18:15 NED v ESP (SF) 3 - 4 Wagener Hockey Stadium
28 Aug 2026 20:30 GER v ARG (SF) 2 - 1 Belfius Hockey Arena
30 Aug 2026 14:00 NED v ARG (3/4) Belfius Hockey Arena
30 Aug 2026 16:30 ESP v GER (1/2) Belfius Hockey Arena
Final Pool standings
Women
28 August was a rest day
29 Aug 2026 13:00 BEL v AUS (3/4) Wagener Hockey Stadium
29 Aug 2026 16:00 NED v ARG (1/2) Wagener Hockey Stadium
Final Pool standings
FIH Match Centre
Netherlands and Argentina women set for FIH Hockey World Cup final rematch
The Netherlands and Argentina will meet in the FIH Hockey World Cup final on Saturday after both secured hard-fought semi-final victories on Thursday. The clash is a rematch four years in the making after the two sides met in the last World Cup final in 2022, where the Dutch prevailed.
Kiwi umpire appointed to World Cup Final
Amber Church will be joined by Sarah Wilson in umpiring the Women's final
Hockey New Zealand is proud to announce that umpire Amber Church has been appointed to officiate the FIH Women’s World Cup final, a special achievement for an umpire who has been among the world's best for over a decade.
Tyler Klenk Umpires 100th International Match
Canadian umpire receives his FIH Golden Whistle
Tyler Klenk began his field hockey journey in Saskatchewan before moving to British Columbia to play for the University of Victoria. From there, he quickly rose through the umpiring ranks, establishing himself as one of Canada’s most trusted and experienced officials at the highest levels of the game.
Las Leonas to face the Netherlands in 2026 field hockey World Cup final
Fernando Romero Nuñez
The team beat Australia to reach its second consecutive World Cup final and will take on the team it lost to in 2022
Argentina’s women’s national field hockey team will set up a second consecutive World Cup final against archrivals the Netherlands on Saturday after beating Australia 1-0 on Thursday.
Argentina, Netherlands in Women’s World Cup final
Jankunas and Matla score decisive goals in crunch semi-finals
Photo: FIH
Argentina and holders Netherlands booked their places in the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup final on Thursday night with identical 1-0 victories, setting up a title showdown between two of the sport’s leading nations.
Belgium star banned after ‘robbed’ comments
The Dutch won through to the Women's World Cup final PIC: FIH/WorldSportPics
Justine Rasir has been suspended for the Women’s Hockey World Cup bronze medal match against Australia today following her post-match comments directed towards the umpiring during the Dutch semi-final defeat.
Spain’s men stun the Netherlands to book final date with defending champions Germany
Germany kept their FIH Hockey World Cup title defence on track with a semi-final victory over Argentina, while Spain stunned hosts the Netherlands in a thrilling clash to set up a mouth-watering final on Sunday.
Duco Telgenkamp losses self-control and the Dutch lose the semifinal
Jawwad Qamar
After an exciting 49 minutes in the first semifinal between Netherlands and Spain at Wagener Stadium, it all came down to the last 21 minutes when the co-hosts Dutch were reduced to 10 men for 10 minutes, due to the actions of Duco Telgenkamp. The Dutch forward’s shot from the top of the circle was deflected out, much to the joy of Spain’s Xavier Gispert who had rushed him. Gispert, in his celebration, got in the face of Telgenkamp who did not appreciate that, knocking the Spaniard down with his left elbow and shoulder to Gispert’s midsection. Tempers flared on both sides and Umpire Zeke Newman called video umpire Sean Edwards for a serious misconduct referral and Edwards recommended a 10-minute yellow card.
Provoke and win: One moment of madness turns Spain–Netherlands semifinal into World Cup classic
K ARUMUGAM
(Video Replay shows the Spainish player involved was #6 Xavier Gispert)
Amsterdam: Provoke and win. Was it instinct, calculated strategy or simply the heat of the moment? Nobody may ever know. But one act of anger, with barely 11 minutes remaining, dramatically altered the course of the World Cup semifinal and helped turn what had been a closely fought contest into an unforgettable 4-3 victory for Spain over the Netherlands.
Basterra brilliance sends Spain into men’s World Cup final with Germany
José Basterra’s memorable hat trick saw Spain stun the Netherlands to reach the men’s World Cup final where they will meet defending champions Germany on Sunday.
Spain sets up men’s Hockey World Cup final clash with Germany
The Germans were 2-1 winners over Argentina in Friday’s second semifinal in Wavre, Belgium.
Spain came from one goal behind to beat The Netherlands in the Hockey World Cup final. | Photo Credit: AP
Spain came from behind to edge co-host Netherlands 4-3 in their Friday’s FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup semifinal clash to setup the summit clash against Germany.
Wales senior men leave World Cup with heads held high
Hoci Cymru’s senior men made Wales proud at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, once again shining bright against the world’s best and outperforming their world ranking.
Wales beat Malaysia to finish 15th at Hockey World Cup
Ben Francis is one of three co-captains in the Wales squad alongside Gareth Furlong and Jacob Draper. Image source, Getty Images
Wales finished 15th in their second appearance at the Hockey World Cup following a shootout victory over Malaysia in Wavre, Belgium.
Malaysia finish last in Hockey World Cup after penalty shootout loss
By Aftar Singh
Malaysia goalkeeper Zaimi Mat Deris (right) in action against Wales during the Hockey World Cup classification match in Wavre, Belgium, on Friday. Pic from FIH
KUALA LUMPUR: It was a miserable end to Malaysia's Hockey World Cup campaign as the Speedy Tigers finished last in the 16-team tournament after losing to debutants Wales in the playoff for 15th place in Wavre, Belgium, today.
Hockey team end World Cup campaign in last place
The loss to Wales is Malaysia’s worst-ever finish in the tournament.
Malaysia and Wales drew 2-2 in the match for 15-16th placing, but the Speedy Tigers lost in a penalty shootout. (Malaysian Hockey Confederation pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia suffered their worst-ever finish in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup after losing 2-1 to Wales in a penalty shootout in Wavre, Belgium, today to finish last.
Pekan demands complete overhaul after World Cup flop
By Aftar Singh
Malaysia captain Marhan Jalil (right) and players sing the national anthem prior to the match against Wales in the 15th-16th playoff at the Hockey World Cup in Wavre, Belgium on Aug 28, 2026. -- PIC from Malaysian Hockey Confederation Facebook
KUALA LUMPUR: A total revamp is needed to lift the standard of the national team after the World Cup flop in Belgium.
When hockey hurts and shames Malaysia
Malaysia’s worst World Cup finish was a coaching failure, but the deeper disgrace is a system that has spent years failing to produce the depth and succession the sport needs.
Frankie D’Cruz
Malaysian players stand with hands over their hearts before the Wales playoff in Wavre, Belgium, with national pride on the line in their final World Cup match. (FIH pic)
PETALING JAYA: There was a minute’s silence before Malaysia’s final World Cup hockey match yesterday.
Shootout heartbreak as South Africa finish World Cup campaign in 12th
South Africa’s FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup campaign ended in dramatic fashion as Pakistan claimed an enthralling 4–3 shootout victory after the sides had played out a pulsating 4–4 draw in the playoff for 11th place.
Shoot-out heartbreak brings curtain down on South Africa’s Hockey World Cup campaign
Rowan Callaghan
The SA men’s hockey side came agonisingly close to securing 11th place at the World Cup before Pakistan prevailed 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre. Image: Jan van Zyl
South Africa’s FIH Hockey World Cup campaign in Belgium and the Netherlands ended with contrasting emotions on Friday, as the men suffered shoot-out heartbreak against Pakistan after the women were narrowly beaten by Ireland in their final classification match.
Pakistan beat South Africa on penalties to finish 11th in FIH Hockey World Cup
Hammaduddin forces classification match against South Africa into penalty shootout with last-minute strike
Pakistan players celebrate winning their FIH Hockey World Cup classification match against Japan at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on August 22, 2026. — FIH
AMSTELVEEN: Four-time champions Pakistan registered an enthralling 4-3 victory over South Africa after the penalty shootout in the classification match to finish 11th in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 here at the Wagener Stadium on Friday.
Pakistan edge South Africa in thrilling shootout at Hockey World Cup
LAHORE - Pakistan produced a dramatic comeback before overcoming South Africa 4-3 in a penalty shootout in the classification round of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026.
Spain edge Dutch to reach final, Pakistan beat SA to claim 11th spot
AMSTELVEEN (Netherlands): Jose Basterra smashed a brilliant hat-trick to help Spain edge hosts Netherlands 4-3 in a thrilling semi-final of the FIH Men’s World Cup at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Friday.
Pakistan slip to 13th in hockey ranking
Abdul Mohi Shah
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan slipped to 13th in the latest FIH World Rankings, dropping one place despite finishing 11th at the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Black Sticks finish on a high at Hockey World Cup
The New Zealand men's hockey side celecrate their win over Ireland at the Hockey World Cup PHOTO: FIH HOCKEY
The Black Sticks Men have finished a creditable ninth after victory over Ireland while the New Zealand women's team completed their 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup campaign in 15th
Ireland lose out to New Zealand in high scoring 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup closer.
IRELAND 3 – 6 NEW ZEALAND
Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Men’s Hockey Team ended their time at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup with defeat to New Zealand in their 9th/10th Place ranking match. Despite the defeat Ireland still record a 10th place finish, a highest ever at a world cup. New Zealand were clinical in the first half scoring four unanswered goals, but Ireland mounted a fight back in the second half when Gregory Williams and Lee Cole found the net from set pieces. Despite Ireland’s efforts, New Zealand cancelled the goals out in counter attacks, before Ireland added a consolation in the final minute through Jeremy Duncan.
Ireland end World Cup with defeat by New Zealand
Lee Cole was on target for Ireland in their defeat by New Zealand. Image source, Inpho
Ireland have finished 10th at the Men's Hockey World Cup after losing 6-3 to New Zealand in their ninth/10th classification play-off game in Wavre in Belgium on Friday.
Kookaburras shut out England to secure fifth at World Cup
The Kookaburras have finished their 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup campaign on a high, defeating England 2-0 to secure fifth place.
Hockey India congratulates Amit Rohidas and Rajinder Singh on achieving special milestones
Amit Rohidas completed 250 international caps for India while Rajinder Singh achieved the milestone of playing his 50th international match, both during India's 7th/8th place classification match against Belgium at the FIH Hockey Men's World Cup 2026
New Delhi: Indian Men's Hockey Team defender Amit Rohidas on Friday earned his 250th International Cap for India, while midfielder Rajinder Singh completed his 50th International Cap, with both milestones achieved during India's 7th/8th place classification match against Belgium at the FIH Hockey Men's World Cup 2026.
Indian men’s team loses to Belgium in a thrilling shootout to finish 8th in FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Wavre: India signed off from the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 with an eighth-place finish after losing to hosts Belgium 3-4 in the shootout in the 7th-8th place classification match at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre on Friday. The regulation period ended 3-3 after India’s last-minute goal to force a shootout to decide the winner.
India loses to Belgium on penalties, finishes eighth in Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026
India goalkeeper Mohith HS committed too early as Belgium managed to find the net four times in the shootout to end its home World Cup with something to cheer about.
Aashin Prasad
Despite looking second best for better part of the game, India’s fight cannot be faulted after a torrid World Cup campaign. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
Although India could only manage an eighth-place finish after a 3-4 penalty shootout loss, it showed fight to twice claw back from being a goal down to hold Belgium 3-3 in Wavre at the Belifus Arena on Friday.
India lose to Belgium to finish eighth
India went down 3-4 in penalty shoot-out at the 2026 FIH Men's World Cup seventh-place play-off against Belgium. 
Indian men's hockey team at 2026 FIH World Cup (Photo credit: Hockey India)
Captain Harmanpreet Singh's last-gasp penalty-corner strike took the match into a shoot-out but India finished eighth at the FIH World Cup after losing 3-4 to co-hosts Belgium on Friday.
Harmanpreet's brace in vain as Belgium edge India in shootout, India finish 8th at FIH Men's Hockey World Cup
Wavre [Belgium]: India finished eighth at the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 after losing to co-hosts Belgium 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw in regulation time in the 7th/8th place clash at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre on Friday.
India vs Belgium — Why did Harmanpreet get a yellow card in FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026?
In the first quarter, the referee stopped play after India was found to have 11 outfield players on the field, which was one more than what the rules of the game allow.
Harmanpreet Singh was shown a yellow card and was forced to sit out play for five minutes against Belgium in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
The Indian men’s team was penalised for fielding an extra player during its qualification match against Belgium in the Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 match on Friday.
Who was India’s top goal-scorer at the FIH Men’s World Cup 2026?
Here is the complete list of India’s top goal-scorers after its classification match against Belgium on August 28.
Harmanpreet Singh (left) is India’s leading goal-scorer at the FIH Men’s World Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: Hockey India
India’s campaign at the FIH Men’s World Cup 2026 came to a close after its classification match against Belgium on August 28.
A win for the women in their final match of the World Cup
The Vantage Black Sticks Women have finished their 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup campaign in 15th place after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Chile in their final match in Belgium.
In women’s Hockey World Cup, fifth place and plenty to build on for India
The women have now shown twice — first at the Tokyo Olympics and now again at the World Cup — that they can go toe-to-toe with the best. The task now is to ensure that support grows.
Reports that the Women’s Hockey India League could be in trouble are particularly alarming, with captain Savita Punia publicly urging authorities to ensure its continuation.
A fifth place may not carry the sheen of a medal. But India has returned from the Women’s Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium with something almost as significant: Proof that the team is among the game’s best again. The team’s best finish since 1974 came after a disastrous four-year stretch in which the promise of fourth place at the Tokyo Olympics gave way to missed opportunities and poor results. The team failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics, lost its Pro League status and was beaten by China in the Asia Cup final last year. Against that backdrop, holding China, England and Australia, losing only once in six matches and then beating world No. 5 Germany 3-1 marks a remarkable turnaround.
Hockey India announces cash award for Indian Women's Hockey Team on historic 5th place finish at FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026
The team defeated World No. 5 Germany 3-1 to record India's best finish at the tournament since the inaugural 1974 edition 
New Delhi: Hockey India on Friday announced a cash award of INR 50 lakh for the Indian Women's Hockey Team in recognition of their historic fifth-place finish at the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.
People don’t always know real story: Marijne defends pre-World Cup leave
By Mona Parthsarathi
India women’s hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne on Friday insisted that his pre-World Cup leave did not compromise the team’s preparations, asserting that he remained involved in every aspect of the build-up to the tournament in which India finished a creditable fifth.
2026 Test Matches ITA v MLT (m)
Rome, Italy
All times GMT +2
29 Aug 2026 17:00 ITA v MLT
30 Aug 2026 11:00 ITA v MLT
FIH Match Centre
Upbeat Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team Leaves for Women's Junior Asia Cup in Moqi
Khaidem Shileima Chanu-led side departs for Moqi, China, aiming to build on positive UK exposure tour
New Delhi: The Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team departed today for Moqi, China, to compete in the AHF Women's Junior Asia Cup 2026, scheduled to be held from 4th to 13th September. The 18-member squad, led by midfielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu, travels to China on the back of an extensive period of preparation under newly appointed Coach Tim White, including a productive exposure tour of the United Kingdom earlier this summer.
Hockey player first to represent England at 90
Clara Bullock and & Vicki Clark
Bill Greenwood is the first England international hockey player to reach 90 while still playing
The first England hockey player to still be playing at international level at 90 says "age does not matter" when it comes to enjoying sport.
More than sponsorship: A partnership for hockey
FIH/WorldSportPics
At the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, the FIH president and Hero MotoCorp executive chairman reflect on 16 years together, athlete development, global expansion, sustainability and a shared vision for the future.
NCAA Division 1 results - 28 August 2026