Indian men's hockey team eliminated from semifinals after 1-3 defeat to the Netherlands in the World Championships.

The Indian men's hockey team faced a disappointing exit from the FIH World Cup semifinals after a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands, the reigning Olympic champions, on August 22, 2026, in Amstelveen. Despite a strong first half, India faltered in the final quarter, allowing two crucial goals that sealed their fate in the tournament.

Needing a victory to advance to the semifinals, India started the match with determination, showcasing solid defensive play and maintaining composure against the Dutch. However, as the match progressed, critical mistakes in the last ten minutes proved costly. Captain Harmanpreet Singh managed to score India's only goal from a penalty corner in the 52nd minute, but it was not enough to turn the tide. The Netherlands had already established a lead with goals from Duco Telgenkamp, Tjep Hoedemakers, and Thijs van Dam, who scored in the 41st, 51st, and 55th minutes, respectively.

Following this defeat, India will play a final second-round match against Argentina on August 24, which holds little significance for their tournament aspirations. With only three points on the board, even a win against Argentina will not be enough to secure a place in the semifinals. The Indian team, which had previously lost to England in the first round, now faces the prospect of competing in the fifth to eighth place classification matches.

Historically, India has struggled against the Netherlands, having never secured a victory in World Cup encounters. Their last significant clash was in the 1973 World Cup final, where India lost in a penalty shootout. In this match, India displayed a commendable defensive strategy in the first half, effectively neutralizing the Dutch midfield and preventing them from maintaining possession. However, as the game progressed, the Indian defense faltered, leading to the Netherlands capitalizing on their opportunities.

Throughout the match, India had several chances to score, including a notable attempt by Dilpreet Singh in the 24th minute, which was thwarted by Dutch goalkeeper Meijer Derk. The Indian team earned their first penalty corner in the 35th minute, but Harmanpreet's shot went wide. As the match neared its conclusion, the Indian side's defensive lapses allowed the Netherlands to extend their lead, ultimately leading to India's elimination from the tournament.