Who will India face in the fifth-place match at Women's Hockey World Cup 2026?
(Courtesy : Hockey India)
Despite finishing with same number of points as Australia, India were eliminated on goals scored
The Indian women’s hockey team suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the second round of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen on Sunday, knocking them out from the semi-finals race.
Despite performing incredibly well throughout the tournament, the Indian team fell agonisingly short of a place in the semi-finals.
Heading into their final match in Pool E against Australia, the equation was pretty simple for India. Win the match and advance to the semi-finals; otherwise, Australia qualifies.
The initial two quarters witnessed Australia dominate play for the majority of the contest; however, a golden chance came the way of Nikki, who was unable to execute a straightforward tap-in during the penalty corner.
While the Indian defence outperformed itself, the attack and midfield failed to deliver. The clash ended in a draw (0-0), resulting in India’s elimination.
Related: FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026: India crash out after 0-0 draw against Australia
Earlier, in the first round, India drew against China. That result was highly impressive considering China’s impressive returns recently in women’s hockey.
Against the Netherlands, India lost 2-0 but showcased their strong defence play yet again. Despite the eventual disappointment, there are lots of positives to take from India’s campaign.
Also Read: FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 Points Table Round 2 Updated: India finish 3rd in Pool E
Who will India face in the fifth-place match at Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026?
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India might be eliminated from the semi-final race, but their campaign at the Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 is far from over. India will now play for pride and prestige, as they are set to fight for a fifth-place finish on the overall points table.
India will take on either Spain or Belgium, depending on who finishes third in Pool F. Currently all teams have played two matches each, and Belgium are in second position with 4 points.
However, they will take on table toppers Argentina in their final fixture, while Spain will play fourth-placed Germany.
If Belgium lose and Spain win, the team which qualifies for the semi-final from Pool F could once again be decided by the goal difference, which, if tied, will then be determined by goals scored, as was the case with India and Australia.
Pool F Pending fixtures
- Spain vs Germany
- Belgium vs Argentina
Pool F Current Standings
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 6 |
| 2 | Belgium | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 4 |
| 3* | Spain | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 1 |
| 4 | Germany | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 0 |
Who will India face in the fifth-place match at Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026?
India will take on either Spain or Belgium, depending on who finishes third in Pool F.
Has India won the Women’s Hockey World Cup?
The Indian women’s team has never won the Women’s Hockey World Cup.
What is India’s highest-ever finish in the Women’s hockey World Cup?
India’s highest-ever finish in the Women’s Hockey World Cup is the fourth place finish they achieved in the inaugural edition in 1974.
Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.