India’s remaining route to the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup semi-finals

As of August 23, the Indian women’s hockey team remain in contention for a semi-final berth at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 despite a second-round defeat to the Netherlands, and must beat Australia in their final Group E match at the Wagener Hockey Stadium to keep that chance alive.

Salima Tete-led India sit fourth in Group E with one point after one loss and one draw in the second-round pool, while only the top two teams in the group will advance to the semi-finals. Australia also have one point following their 1-1 draw with China and are placed above India on goal difference, placing added pressure on the hosts ahead of Sunday’s decisive game.

The result of the Netherlands versus China fixture, which is scheduled to be completed before India face Australia, will materially alter India’s pathway. If the Netherlands beat China, India would enter the Australia match with the clearer advantage and must secure a win to progress; if Netherlands and China draw, China would move to three points while a victory over Australia would take India to four points, potentially enough to finish second in the group.

The alternative scenario is a China win over the Netherlands: a Chinese victory would lift China to five points and confirm their place in the semi-finals regardless of India’s result against Australia. India’s loss to the Netherlands has made qualification more difficult but, according to the standings, has not eliminated them.

India’s route to the semi-finals therefore depends on two conditions coming together — they must defeat Australia in their final second-round match and hope the Netherlands beat China in the other remaining Group E game — leaving no margin for error for the host nation.

India’s final Group E fixture is scheduled to be played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium on August 23 (Sunday) with a 10:30 pm IST start time.