India face Netherlands in Round 2 of FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen

India meet the Netherlands at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on August 21 in Round 2 of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, with the match scheduled to start at 9:30 pm Indian Time. India enter the fixture unbeaten from Pool D while the Netherlands top their group and arrive off a 9-0 victory over Japan.

The tournament is being held simultaneously for both men and women, and this match is the opening second-stage game for both sides. The Netherlands were described as Olympic champions from Paris 2024 and finished their opening pool with three wins. India progressed from Pool D in second place after two draws and a win, having drawn with China, beaten South Africa 6-1 and held England 0-0. India and China carry one point each into the next stage.

The Dutch side finished top of their first-stage group with three victories and recorded a 9-0 win against Japan before this fixture. The report notes the Netherlands will benefit from home support and arrive as a team experienced on big occasions. A strong result here would consolidate their position in Pool E.

India completed the group stage without defeat, registering a 6-1 win over South Africa and draws with China and England, the latter a goalless result. Those results moved India into the second stage alongside China, the Netherlands and Australia in Pool E. The Indian team are coached by Sjoerd Marijne.

Historical meetings are cited with the Netherlands leading the head-to-head 5-1 in six encounters, India’s sole win coming in the inaugural edition in 1974. In the current Pool E standings referenced before the match, India sit third with one from one match while the Dutch occupy the top spot with three points from one match. The top two teams from Pools E and F advance to the semi-finals.

The match will be played at Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on August 21 at 9:30 pm IST. India’s next scheduled fixture in Pool E is against Australia on August 23 at 10:30 pm IST.

Only the top two teams from Pools E and F will qualify for the semi-finals; India face Australia on August 23 at 10:30 pm IST after this Netherlands game, making today’s result influential for their route in the tournament.