India advance from Pool D after 0-0 draw with England at FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026

India secured progression to the second round of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 in Belgium & Netherlands with a 0-0 draw against England in their final Pool D match, the report published on August 21, 2026. The result left India unbeaten in Pool D and ensured they finish among the top two teams to advance.

India’s route through Pool D began with a 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallist China, followed by a 6-1 victory over South Africa, a match in which six different Indian players scored and which the source describes as India’s biggest-ever World Cup win. That winning margin moved India to the top of the group on goal difference and meant a draw with England in the final group game would be sufficient to qualify.

The final Pool D fixture ended 0-0 as England pressed in the second half; the report notes England produced 28 circle entries and earned 12 penalty corners, and they pulled their goalkeeper for an extra attacker in the closing minutes, but India’s defence held firm to preserve the clean sheet.

Pool D concluded with China top on seven points and India second on five, England third on four and South Africa bottom without a point. India and China each carry one point forward into round two as a result of their opening 2-2 draw, the article states.

The next stage places India in a group with hosts and reigning champions Netherlands, described in the source as the World No. 1 side, alongside Australia and China. The report states only two teams from that pool will progress to the semi-finals.

India are scheduled to return to action on Friday (August 20) when they face South Africa in the second round, according to the same report.