India might have been knocked out of the FIH Hockey World Cup, but their campaign at the tournament is far from over. Despite being eliminated from medal contention, both the Indian men’s and women’s teams will play one further match each to determine their final rankings.
Both Indian squads will look to end their campaigns on a positive note and gain valuable ranking points ahead of future international events. The dual-host tournament, staged across venues in the Netherlands and Belgium, features a revised format with two group stages followed by classification play-offs for teams outside the top four.
Who and when will Indian women’s team face?
The women’s side, led by Salima Tete, finished third in their second-round Pool E after a goalless draw against Australia. Australia advanced to the semi-finals on goal difference, ending India’s hopes of a first World Cup semi-final appearance in 51 years.
India will now face Germany in the fifth-sixth place play-off on Thursday 27 August at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. A win would deliver the team’s best finish since their fourth-place result at the inaugural women’s tournament in 1974.
Who and when will Indian men’s team face?
The men’s team, captained by Harmanpreet Singh, suffered a heavier exit. After progressing from the first phase, they lost both second-round matches 3-1 to the hosts, the Netherlands, and 5-3 to Argentina, finishing bottom of Pool E without a point.
They will meet co-hosts Belgium in the seventh-eighth place classification match on Friday 28 August at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium. India’s last World Cup semi-final appearance came in 1975, when they lifted the title.
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