India knocked out of FIH Men’s World Cup 2026 after 3-5 defeat against Argentina
The men’s campaign ended on Monday with a 3-5 defeat against Argentina at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. India will now play Belgium in the seventh-place classification match. Sukhjeet Singh gave India a lifeline in the 10th minute, but they were unable to capitalise on their chances in the second quarter. Tomas Domene restored Argentina’s two-goal cushion in the 33rd minute before completing his brace with a penalty stroke in the 45th. Sukhjeet scored again in the 58th minute and Hardil Singh reduced the deficit further a minute later, but India could not complete the comeback. “Don’t worry… the World Cup doesn’t matter. Credit to the players. But where is the accountability? Do we really expect a team to perform at its best when the chief coach is away during the final phase of preparation? The result sent Australia through to the last four on the basis of having scored more goals.
“Women’s chief coach on holiday just before the World Cup — and the girls still fought their hearts out and exceeded expectations. Sreejesh had previously questioned the quality of Indian coaching after his tenure as the junior men’s team coach was not renewed. He had guided the side to a bronze medal at last year’s Junior World Cup.
The women’s team had also missed out on a semifinal place after being held to a goalless draw by Australia in their final second-round match on Sunday.
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