On the last day of the first round in the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, Argentina thrashed New Zealand, while the hosts Netherlands, Australia, and Spain have also joined Los Leones in the second round.
Men's FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: First Round - Day 6 Results
(Pool A)
New Zealand 1–7 Argentina
Although New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the first quarter after Kane Russell successfully converted a penalty stroke in the 13th minute, Argentina ultimately thrashed their opponents with a 7-1 scoreline. Tomás Domene (22’, 43’, & 60’) scored a hat-trick, while Bautista Capurro (39’ & 58’) scored a brace, and Tadeo Marcucci (48’) and Nicolás Keenan (52’) added one each.
Argentina finished in the second position of Pool A, while previously winning by 3-0 against Japan and losing by 3-1 against the hosts Netherlands. Meanwhile, the third-placed New Zealand earlier recorded a 5-1 defeat against the hosts Netherlands before winning by 2-0 against Japan.
Netherlands 4–1 Japan
Hosts Netherlands finished on top of Pool A after a 4-1 win against Japan. Although Kazumasa Matsumoto (8’) provided an early lead for Japan, the Dutch recorded four goals to secure another solid win. After Thijs van Dam (12’) and Jip Janssen (50’) scored the hosts first two goals, Tijmen Reyenga (55’ & 56’) recorded a late brace.
The Netherlands have won all three games, claiming 5-1 and 3-1 victories against New Zealand and Argentina, respectively. On the other hand, Japan have lost all three matches in this competition, as they also suffered defeats against Argentina (3-0) and New Zealand (2-0).
(Pool C)
Australia 2–2 South Africa
With a 2-2 draw against South Africa, unbeaten Australia finished on top of Pool C. Mustapha Cassiem put South Africa ahead in the game in the fourth minute, while Joel Rintala (38’) and Ky Willott (43’) later scored goals for Australia to put the three-time winners ahead in the game. However, soon, Cassiem scored his second goal in the 44th minute, which helped the African side to earn one point.
Earlier in the first round, South Africa lost against Spain and Ireland by 3-1 and 4-1, respectively. Meanwhile, Australia earlier beat Ireland and Spain by 3-1 and 1-0, respectively, which helped them to stand strongly in the points table.
Ireland 1–3 Spain
It was a must-win game for both teams to advance to the second round, where Spain ultimately defeated Ireland by 3-1. Nicolás Álvarez provided the lead for Spain in the ninth minute, while Lee Cole equalised in the 19th minute. Later, in the final quarter, Marc Reyné scored a brace (47’ & 53’) to set Spain in the second spot of Pool C.
Spain started the World Cup journey with a 3-1 win against South Africa, but a 1-0 defeat against Australia put them in a challenging position. Meanwhile, Ireland lost by 3-1 in their tournament opener against Australia, but fought back with a 4-1 victory against South Africa.
Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: First Round – Day 6 Points Table
Pool A
Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goal Difference | Points | Final Status |
Netherlands | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +9 | 9 | Second Round |
Argentina | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +7 | 6 | Second Round |
New Zealand | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -8 | 3 | Classification Round |
Japan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -8 | 0 | Classification Round |
Pool C
Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goal Difference | Points | Final Status |
Australia | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | +3 | 7 | Second Round |
Spain | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +3 | 6 | Second Round |
Ireland | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -1 | 3 | Classification Round |
South Africa | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -5 | 1 | Classification Round |
