India vs Wales Live Updates, FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026: Sakshi Rana puts India ahead within opening 6 minutes

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After the disappointing draw against Scotland in their previous match, the Indian women’s hockey team return to action today for their final Pool B match against Wales.

Despite the draw, India are top of Pool B—thanks to their superior goal difference—and only need a draw against the bottom-placed Wales to secure their spot in the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 semi-finals.

While India are set to face Wales, Scotland are up against Uruguay and currently in action against Uruguay and lead them 2-1 in the final quarter. The victory would help them displace India—who will be in action later in the day—from top of the standings and also confirm their place in the semis.

For India the equation is simple. Avoid defeat against Wales and confirm a top two finish from Pool B. Although coach Sjoerd Marijne’s girl will be eager to finish off the league phase with a win especially since the tournament is being hosted on home soil.

The Blue Eves started the tournament on a high note, smashing four goals past Uruguay in their tournament opener. They were dealt a blow in the opening five minutes against Scotland—who took the lead—in their second match, but did well to recover and go ahead 2-1 in the opening half itself.

Also Read: FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026: Semi-final berth at stake as India face Wales

However, Fiona Burnet pulled Scotland level at the start of the third quarter. Both teams eventually settled for a point, keeping Scotland at second place and well in contention for the semi-final berth.

India will count on Sunelita Toppo to help with their goalscoring woes. Toppo has already netted twice in the tournament—a goal in each match—and is among the top five scorers ahead of the last round of matches in the league phase.

Elsewhere in Pool A, England and Italy have already confirmed their spots in the semis with top two finishes. While England topped the pool with a clean slate, winning each of their three matches, Italy won, lost and drew one each.

They were level on points with South Korea but secured a second-place finish thanks to their better goal difference—0 to Korea’s -2.

The winner of Pool B will now face England in the first semi-final on Friday while the pool winners will meet Italy in the other semi-final. The final will be played on March 14 (Saturday).

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