FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
India vs Italy Highlights, FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 Semi-finals: Manisha Chauhan's goal sends India through to final
(Courtesy : Hockey India)
Hello and welcome to Khel Now’s live blog for the India vs Italy semi-final match at FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026. Please wait for the blog to load!
Having already secured their place in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, the Indian women’s hockey team will now turn their focus to winning the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 title on home soil.
India booked their spot in the tournament proper by reaching the semi-finals of the ongoing qualifying tournament, where they are still unbeaten after the end of the league phase. India face Italy in the last four stage later today.
Sjoerd Marijne’s side finished atop Pool B with seven points from three matches. They were level on points with Scotland—who finished second—but a superior goal difference saw them top the pool to setup a semi-final meeting with Italy.
India began their campaign with a dominant 4–0 win against Uruguay, before being held to a 2–2 draw by Scotland. The host nation then concluded their group stage with a convincing 4–1 victory over Wales.
With the resounding performances in the pool stage, India confirmed their qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 through the tournament rule which awards a World Cup berth to the highest world-ranked team finishing fourth across the two qualifying events.
The Santiago leg of the qualifiers concluded earlier, where Chile, Australia and Ireland secured the three direct qualification spots. Japan finished foItaly, meanwhile, will rely on Federica Carta, who has been their key attacking threat and has scored three goals so far in the competition.
In terms of head-to-head encounters, India and Italy have faced each other seven times since 2012. India have won five of those matches, while Italy have registered one victory and one game ended in a draw, giving the hosts a slight psychological edge ahead of the semi-final.
With India ranked ninth globally, the hosts have at least ensured they will finish as the highest-ranked fourth-placed team across the two tournaments, thereby confirming their ticket to the World Cup.
When and where will India vs Italy semi-final match take place at FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026?
The semi-final clash will be played at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on March 13. It is scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm IST.
What is the head-to-head record between India and Italy in women’s hockey?
Since 2012, both teams have faced each other on seven occasion. India have five of those meetings, while Italy have registered one victory.
How have India performed so far at FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026?
India are unbeaten so far in the tournament, with two wins and a draw from three matches. They topped Pool B and have also confirmed their place in the tournament finals.
How have Italy performed so far at FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026?
Italy finished second in Pool A, with one win, draw and loss each from three matches. Their only victory came against Austria, who they beat 3-0 while they were thrashed 2-5 by England.
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
Where passion meets insight — blending breaking news, in-depth strategic analysis, viral moments, and jaw-dropping plays into powerful sports content designed to entertain, inform, and keep you connected to your favorite teams and athletes. Expect daily updates, expert commentary and coverage that never leaves a fan behind.