India lose 1-3 to Netherlands in Amstelveen, exit FIH World Cup semifinal race
The Indian men's hockey team were beaten 1-3 by reigning Olympic champions the Netherlands in Amstelveen on Saturday, August 22, 2026, and were eliminated from the FIH World Cup semifinal race after conceding two goals in the final quarter.
India needed a win to reach the last four but mistakes in the closing 10 minutes ended those hopes; the team will face Argentina on Monday, August 24, in a final second-round match and will then contest the fifth–eighth place classification matches. India had lost to England in the first round and finished the second round without points; even a victory over Argentina would have left them with three points and out of semifinal contention. In World Cup history, India have never beaten the Netherlands, who defeated India in the 1973 World Cup final via a penalty shootout.
India produced a composed first half, with a backline that the report says made no mistakes and limited Dutch midfield possession. Early chances for India included a 3rd-minute penetration from the right and an 8th-minute run by Rajinder Singh following a pass from Hardik Singh, but the Dutch defence held firm. Thijs van Dam attempted a reverse hit three minutes later but the ball hit the back of his stick and India lost control from the resulting free hit. In the 13th minute the Netherlands won a penalty corner, but Jip Janssen's drag-flick was blocked by Manpreet Singh's rushing, leaving the Indian defence dominant in the opening 15 minutes.
The Dutch began the second quarter with three consecutive penalty corners that produced no goal, and India had a clear chance in the 24th minute when Dilpreet Singh's run into the circle was denied by Dutch goalkeeper Meijer Derk, with Rajinder unable to convert the rebound. Neither side scored before halftime despite Indian forward forays that were repeatedly repelled by the Netherlands' backline. India were awarded their first penalty corner in the 35th minute via referral; Harmanpreet Singh's drag-flick struck the foot of the Netherlands' first rusher, resulting in a second referral penalty corner, but Harmanpreet's subsequent attempt went wide.
The Netherlands opened the scoring after an Indian defensive lapse: Tijman Reyanga received the ball inside the circle, took aim, and the shot deflected off Duco Telgenkamp's stick and went in, leaving goalkeeper Mohit with no chance. India responded immediately with a counter that earned a penalty corner, but Harmanpreet's drag-flick was saved and Indian strikers failed to convert the rebound.
In the late stages the Dutch extended their lead and closed out the match. Abhishek earned a penalty corner in the 47th minute while Harmanpreet was off the field; Amit Rohidas's slap shot deflected wide. A review awarded India another penalty corner which Sanjay's shot was unable to beat the goalkeeper. The Netherlands doubled the lead in the 51st minute through TJep Hoedemakers, and in the 52nd minute Rajinder Singh won a penalty corner from which Harmanpreet scored with a drag-flick. Thijs van Dam then added a 55th-minute field goal after Manpreet Singh lost possession that led to the final 3-1 scoreline.
India's confirmed next fixture is the second-round match against Argentina on Monday, August 24; following that game they will compete in the fifth–eighth place classification matches at the tournament.