India vs New Zealand Final Highlights, FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup 2025-26: India defeat New Zealand to lift title
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After a flawless run so far in the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26, the Indian women’s hockey team are now just a win away from earning promotion back to the FIH Pro League.
To achieve that, they must defeat hosts New Zealand in the final of the Women’s Nations Cup.
Like India, New Zealand have also gone undefeated for the entire tournament. But have also won four in four, while the hosts were held to a 1-1 draw in their semi-final match against the United States and needed penalties to book their place in the final.
India and New Zealand will face each other for the first time in this tournament. And while the Women in Blue are the favourites, there isn’t much difference in the rankings of both teams.
While India are ranked World No. 9 in the FIH website, New Zealand are just a rung below at 10th place. It is important to note that New Zealand qualified for the FIH Pro League last season but refused the offer to continue playing in the Women’s Nations Cup.
Meanwhile, India were relegated from the top division after winning just two of their 16 matches in the FIH Pro League to finish last in the nine-team league.
Coming to the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26, India have won all four of their matches, including a handsome 6-0 victory over Chile in the semis.
India started their campaign with a comeback 3-2 win over the United States and then defeated Japan 2-1. They had to again fight back from a goal behind to beat Uruguay 3-2 and top their Pool (Pool A).
Similarly, New Zealand also topped their Pool (Pool B) with a perfect record of three wins from three matches. They started with a 3-1 win over Korea, then beat Chile 3-2 and topped it off with a 2-1 win over France in their final pool match.
Where and when will India vs New Zealand final match take place at FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26?
The final will be played North Harbour Hockey Stadium in Auckland on June 21 (Sunday). It is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm local time and 12 PM in India.
Why is the final so significant for the Indian women’s hockey team?
The final match is crucial as the promotion to the FIH Pro League is on stake, with the winner earning a chance to compete in the top division next season.
Who is the favourite to win the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26 final between India and New Zealand?
While India are favourites, only one position separates both teams in the World Hockey rankings. Indian are place ninth in the rankings while New Zealand are a place below at 10th place.
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