India fail to reach Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 semifinals after 0-0 draw with Australia

The Indian women’s hockey team’s hopes of reaching the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 semifinals ended in a goalless draw against Australia on Sunday night. The 0-0 result at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen meant India crashed out of contention for the final four, while Australia advanced.

India entered the Pool E clash knowing only a win would secure a semifinal berth for the first time since 1974. A draw or loss left them dependent on goal difference and goals scored. Australia needed just a point to progress. In the end, the Hockeyroos finished with more goals scored across the relevant matches and booked their place in the last four. India will now compete in the classification matches for fifth place.

Scrappy contest with chances missed

The match stayed locked at 0-0 from start to finish in a physical, error-filled contest. Australia looked dangerous early. In the second minute Grace Stewart appeared to score from close range, but India successfully reviewed the decision. The goal was ruled out for a dangerous hit.

Australia earned several penalty corners but failed to convert. India also created opportunities, including a late first-half penalty corner that Navneet Kaur and teammates could not finish cleanly. Goalkeeper Savita Punia made important stops, including a solid save from Grace Young in the 34th minute.

Two more Australian goals were disallowed after video referrals. In the 40th minute a shot by Stephanie Kershaw was ruled dangerous after hitting an Indian defender on the arm. India continued to press in the final quarter, even removing the goalkeeper late to add an extra attacker, but Australia’s defence held firm and ran down the clock.

Injuries interrupted play at times. Lalremsiami left the field after a knee knock, and Grace Young was carried off late after being hit on the foot. Despite the physical toll, both sides showed fight until the final whistle.

What the result means for India

India had shown promise earlier in the tournament, including a 6-1 win over South Africa and a draw with England. A 2-0 loss to hosts Netherlands in the previous Pool E match left them needing a strong result against Australia. The inability to convert chances, especially from set pieces, proved costly.

This exit continues India’s long wait for another World Cup semifinal appearance. The team will now look to finish as high as possible in the ranking matches and build on the experience for future campaigns.

Australia move on to the semifinals with confidence, having shown defensive solidity when it mattered most. The draw was enough, and they made sure the Indian attack never found a strong finish.