Argentina Wins Women’s Hockey World Cup

Argentina was crowned the new women’s FIH Hockey World Cup champion after defeating the Netherlands in a dramatic final at a packed Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen amid intermittent showers and strong, chilly winds.

The South Americans prevailed 3-1 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time, avenging their defeat to the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup final. The Dutch had won that encounter 3-1 to claim their third consecutive title.

The result brought disappointment for both co-hosts, the Netherlands and Belgium, who finished the tournament without winning a title on home soil. The men’s final on Sunday will feature Germany and Spain, ensuring the continuation of European dominance in men’s hockey.

After a scoreless opening quarter, the match gathered momentum in the second. Backed by a vocal home crowd, the Dutch repeatedly attempted to break through Argentina’s disciplined defense.

The Netherlands took the lead in the 30th minute, seconds before halftime, when dependable drag-flicker and tournament-leading scorer Yibbi Jansen converted the first penalty corner of the match.

The Dutch earned another penalty corner immediately after the teams changed ends, but they were unable to capitalize. Argentina received its first penalty corner in the 33rd minute and another soon afterward, but neither opportunity changed the score.

Argentina continued to press and finally found the equalizer in the 54th minute through Maria Granatto, sending the match into a penalty shootout.

In the decisive contest, Argentina maintained its composure to win 3-1 and lift the World Cup for the third time. The Netherlands, meanwhile, was appearing in its ninth consecutive final.

Argentina previously defeated the Netherlands 3-1 in the 2010 World Cup final. The Dutch had won every edition since then.

Argentina’s first World Cup triumph also came against the Netherlands in 2002, when it won 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

The final standings were Argentina in first place, followed by the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, India and Germany.

Special guests at the women’s final included Pawan Munjal of Hero Group, a longtime major sponsor of International Hockey Federation events, including the World Cup. JSW and Amul were the other major Indian sponsors of the 2026 tournament.

Earlier, Belgium defeated Australia 1-0 to secure the bronze medal. Charlotte Englebert scored the decisive goal in the 18th minute of a match in which both teams blended caution with aggression.

The bronze medal provided some consolation for Belgium, whose men’s and women’s teams entered the tournament among the favorites. The Belgian men defeated India 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 regulation-time draw to finish seventh.

Belgium’s women performed better, reaching the semifinals before losing 1-0 to the Netherlands.

In the men’s competition late Friday, Germany edged Pan American champion Argentina 2-1 after a scoreless first half, setting up a championship match against Spain.

Justus Weigand put defending champion Germany ahead in the 32nd minute with a well-executed field goal that caught the Argentine defense off guard. Argentina responded in the 43rd minute through Tomas Domene.

Paul-Philipp Kaufmann scored Germany’s decisive goal in the 53rd minute with a precise finish that beat the Argentine defense. Argentina intensified its attack in the closing stages, but the reigning world champion protected its lead to reach a second consecutive final.

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