India started its FIH Males’s Hockey World Cup 2026 second-round marketing campaign with a 1-3 loss to host Netherlands on Saturday.
Whereas the Dutch have boosted their possibilities of making the semifinals with this win, the Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian workforce isn’t but out of competition for a berth within the final 4. India had superior to the second stage of the competitors after ending second in Pool D.
How can India qualify for the Hockey World Cup semifinals?
Regardless of dropping to the Dutch, India nonetheless has an opportunity to make the semifinals of the World Cup. And Argentina’s 3-1 win over England has handed the Craig Fulton-coached facet a lift. The Indians wanted the Argentines to beat the English, and so they bought the consequence of their favour.
| Group | Matches | Received | Drawn | Misplaced | Objectives scored | Objectives in opposition to | Purpose distinction | Factors |
| Netherlands | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| England | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 3 |
| Argentina | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| India | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 0 |
With Netherlands nonetheless not but within the final 4, the semifinalists from this pool will likely be selected Monday, August 24.
Within the first match of that day, India must beat Argentina by at the least 4 objectives to remain within the race. If it wins with a lesser margin then different results and tiebreakers will come into play.
Furthermore, the Indians must hope that Netherlands beats England within the second match of the day.
Revealed on Aug 22, 2026
