Amstelveen (TIP): Argentina are the new champions of the FIH Hockey World Cup for women, wresting the title back from the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout.
In an exciting final played before a packed Wagener Stadium, amid intermittent showers and strong, chilly winds, the South Americans avenged their defeat to the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup final.
Four years ago, the Netherlands had beaten Argentina 3-1 in the final to win the title for a third successive time. This time, however, Argentina held their nerve in a tense contest, forcing a 1-1 draw in regulation time before prevailing 3-1 in the shootout.
The result was also a disappointment for the co-hosts, the Netherlands and Belgium, who both ended the tournament without a title on home soil. The men’s final, to be played on Sunday, will see Germany take on Spain as the two European giants battle for continued supremacy in men’s hockey.
Argentina fight back
The Netherlands made the stronger start and gradually began to exert pressure on the Argentine defense. After a goalless opening quarter, the pace picked up in the second period as the Dutch players, backed by a vociferous home crowd, repeatedly searched for a way through the South American defense.
The breakthrough finally came in the 30th minute, seconds before half-time. The Netherlands earned their first penalty corner of the match, and their dependable drag-flick specialist and leading scorer of the tournament, Yibbi Jansen, made no mistake, firing the ball into the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The Dutch were awarded another penalty corner immediately after the teams changed ends, but this time Jansen could not convert.
Argentina gradually found their rhythm. Their first penalty corner came in the 33rd minute, followed shortly afterwards by another, but neither opportunity produced a goal.
The South Americans continued to press and were eventually rewarded in the 54th minute when Maria Granatto found the equalizer, bringing Argentina level at 1-1 and sending the final into a penalty shootout.
Battle of nerves
The shootout turned into a battle of nerves, but Argentina displayed greater composure. The South Americans converted three of their attempts to win the shootout 3-1 and lift the World Cup for the third time.
For the Netherlands, the defeat was particularly painful. It was their ninth successive appearance in a World Cup final, but they were unable to add another title to their remarkable record.
Argentina had last defeated the Netherlands in a World Cup final in 2010, winning 3-1. The Dutch subsequently dominated the competition, winning the title in 2014, 2018 and 2022.
Argentina had also beaten the Netherlands in a shootout in the 2002 World Cup final after the two teams had played out a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The final standings saw Argentina take gold, followed by the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, India and Germany.
Belgium claim bronze
Earlier, Belgium defeated Australia 1-0 to claim the bronze medal. Charlotte Englebert scored the decisive goal in the 18th minute in a closely fought contest in which both teams blended caution with aggression.
The bronze medal provided considerable relief for Belgium, who had entered the tournament among the pre-event favorites in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
The Belgian men defeated India 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the two teams had drawn 3-3 in regulation time to finish seventh. The women went a step further, reaching the semi-finals before losing 0-1 to the Netherlands.
Germany set up final with Spain
In the men’s competition, defending champions Germany edged past Pan American champions Argentina 2-1 in a semi-final that remained goalless during the first half.
Justus Weigand put Germany ahead in the 32nd minute with a fine field goal that left the Argentine defense scrambling. Argentina, however, responded quickly, with Tomas Domene restoring parity in the 43rd minute.
Germany regained the lead in the 53rd minute through Paul-Philipp Kaufmann, who found a way past the Argentine defense with a well-placed strike.
Argentina then threw players forward in search of another equalizer, and the match grew increasingly intense. Germany, however, defended their advantage resolutely to secure a second successive World Cup final appearance.
They will face Spain in the title clash as the two European powers compete for the men’s crown.
Indian sponsors add to World Cup presence
Among the special guests at the women’s final was Pawan Munjal of the Hero Group, a long-time sponsor of FIH events, including the World Cup.
Two other major Indian groups, JSW and Amul, are also among the principal Indian sponsors associated with the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026.
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