India vs Australia Highlights, FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026: India knocked out after goalless draw; finish third in Pool E
India must beat Australia to qualify for the semi-finals
10:15 pm: Hello and welcome to Khel Now’s live blog for the India vs Australia Pool E match in Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026.
India face Australia in a do-or-die match in Pool E at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026. India, as things stand, are at the bottom of Pool E and need to defeat Australia to qualify for the semi-finals.
As for Australia, they are in a similar situation. But unlike India, a draw might also be enough for the Hockeyroos if China lose by three or more goals against the Dutch.
“We see it as a quarterfinal,” said India’s Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne. “It’s always very close (against Australia), and that’s how I think the match on Sunday will be.
“There will not be many secrets because we play many times against each other. It’s a must-win game for both sides and that’s something which makes it a big challenge for us.”
India face Australia in a must-win game in Women's Hockey World Cup! 🇮🇳 🇦🇺
— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 23, 2026
Sitting last in Pool E, India will need to defeat Australia in their last match and hope Netherlands🇳🇱 beat or hold China for them to qualify for the semis. pic.twitter.com/digIQm9XDN
The two sides had a good look at each other during the four-match series just before the FIH Nations Cup earlier this year, with the closely fought contests resulting in the series ending in a 2-2 draw. It highlights how evenly matched the teams are in a face-off.
Going into the big game against Australia, India will take confidence from their showing against the formidable Dutch side.
Despite conceding an early goal, the Indian defence remained composed and disciplined, frustrating the hosts for long periods and ensuring they did not concede a field goal.
Related: FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 Points Table Round 2 Updated
The defensive unit has been one of India’s biggest strengths throughout the tournament, with legendary goalkeeper Savita and Bichu Devi providing an assured presence between the posts.
Against Australia, that defensive solidity will again be crucial, but India will also need greater efficiency in the attacking third. The team has created opportunities through both open play and penalty corners.
It’s now down to converting those chances into goals, which could prove decisive in a game where margins are likely to be fine.
“Against big teams, if you get three opportunities, you have to convert one or two. That’s something we keep working on,” Marijne added.
“It’s the same with penalty corners. At the moment we are not scoring off a lot of penalty corners…and we know that. But we have the quality, and I have confidence in Navneet (Kaur) and Deepika. They both have shown that they can do it, and hopefully they can do it against Australia.”
After a tournament in which the Indian defence has repeatedly stood firm, the challenge now is to combine that resilience with the cutting edge needed inside the circle
Where and when will India vs Australia Pool E match take place at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026?
The match will be played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on August 23 (Sunday). It is scheduled to begin at 10:30 pm IST.
How can India still qualify for the semi-finals of the Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026?
India must defeat Australia and hope China fail to defeat Netherlands in the other Pool E match. That will push India to four points and second place, ensuring their progression into the semi-final stage.
What is the head-to-head record between India and Australia in Women’s Hockey World Cups?
India and Australia have met only twice in the Women’s Hockey World Cup, and the latter won both those matches. The first was in the 1983 edition, where the Aussies won by a 3-2 margin, while the most recent meeting came in the 2006 edition, with Australia again winning the match, this time by a 6-3 margin.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram