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Had India managed to defeat Australia, they would have qualified for the semifinals of the Women’s Hockey World Cup for the first time in 52 years.
India fail to qualify for semifinals of Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026. (Picture Credit: X/@TheHockeyIndia)
India played out a goalless draw against Australia in their second Pool E match of the ongoing FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, bringing their hopes of qualifying for the semifinals to an end. India needed to secure an outright win against Australia on Sunday (August 23) at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, but failed to achieve their objective.
Had India managed to defeat Australia, they would have qualified for the semifinals of the Women’s Hockey World Cup for the first time in 52 years. India finished third in the Pool E points table with two points from three matches. Their goal difference was -2.
Australia also finished Pool E with two points and a goal difference of -2. However, they progressed to the semifinals alongside the Netherlands after scoring four goals in the pool stage, compared to India’s two.
Pool E points table
| POSITION | TEAM | MATCHES | WINS | DRAWS | DEFEATS | GOALS (FOR) | GOALS (AGAINST) | GOAL DIFFERENCE | POINTS | QUALIFICATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Netherlands | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3 | +7 | 9 | Semifinals |
| 2 | Australia | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | −2 | 2 | Semifinals |
| 3 | India | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | −2 | 2 | Fifth place game |
| 4 | China | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 7 | −3 | 2 | Seventh place game |
The Netherlands topped the Pool E standings with nine points from three matches, while China finished fourth with two points and a goal difference of -3.
India will now feature in the 5th-6th place playoff match on August 27. They will take on the third-placed team from Pool F.
How match progressed
India survived an early scare when Australia appeared to take the lead through a close-range effort that struck Jyoti high on her body before deflecting into the net.
India immediately took a referral, and the TV umpire ruled the play dangerous, preserving the goalless scoreline.
India had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock just before half-time after winning a penalty corner, but Australia read their routine and snuffed out the threat.
Nikki Pradhan found space but failed to connect cleanly with her shot, completely missing the ball before it struck her foot.
India pressed for the goal they desperately needed but could not find a way through a resolute Australian defence.
India had begun their campaign unbeaten, drawing against China and England before thrashing South Africa 6-1 to advance to the second round.
But a 0-2 defeat to the Netherlands in their previous match left the hosts needing victory against Australia.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18The Indian women’s hockey team will now participate in the 5th-6th place playoff match on August 27, after failing to qualify for the semifinals of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026.
Ask News18About the Author
Harshit Bisht is a sports journalist at CNN-News18, where he has been covering cricket, football, and major sporting events from around the world since July 1, 2024. Driven by a passion for storytelli…Read More
August 24, 2026, 00:35 IST
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