India's FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign ends in quarterfinal draw

India’s FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign came to a heartbreaking end as Australia held them to a 0-0 draw and advanced to the semifinals on Sunday. With the result, Australia progressed by virtue of having scored more goals in the pool, while India will now play for fifth place.

Australia started strongly and appeared to take the lead in the second minute through Grace Stewart, but India immediately reviewed the goal for dangerous play. The referral went India’s way and the goal was ruled out. The Hockeyroos continued to control possession and created several opportunities, forcing Bichu Devi and Savita into important saves. India also struggled to retain the ball during the opening stages, although they gradually settled into the contest. Australia earned penalty corners but failed to convert, while India’s defence repeatedly managed to clear the danger. The first half ended goalless, despite India earning a penalty corner with just 21 seconds remaining.

India came out with greater intensity after the break and began pressing Australia higher up the pitch. However, the Hockeyroos remained dangerous on the counter and continued to test the Indian defence. Australia thought they had finally broken the deadlock in the 40th minute when Kershaw found the net, but another review ruled that the ball had struck an Indian defender’s arm, making the goal illegal. The final quarter became increasingly tense. India created a promising opportunity when Navneet and Lalremsiami found themselves in the centre of the circle but failed to coordinate their attempt.

Australia then earned further penalty corners, but India’s first rusher and goalkeeper Bichu Devi stood firm. Colwill’s drag-flick was blocked, while another Australian referral was rejected. With time running out, India removed Bichu Devi and brought on Deepika as an additional outfield player in a final attempt to find the winner. Australia, however, managed the closing stages smartly, keeping possession near the corners and running down the clock. The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 draw. Australia advanced to the semifinals, while India’s hopes of ending their 51-year wait for a World Cup semifinal appearance came to an end.