India women need win over Australia to reach World Cup semis

The Indian women's hockey team will play a virtual quarter-final against Australia on Sunday, needing a win to keep their semi-final hopes alive at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen. India are tied with Australia on one point in Pool E after a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands, while the Dutch have already qualified with six points. China are on two points.

India's path is clear: if the Netherlands beat China earlier on Sunday, a win over Australia will take India to the semi-finals. A China upset over the Netherlands would eliminate India regardless. If the Netherlands-China match ends in a draw, India must beat Australia to progress. A draw between India and Australia would leave all three teams level on two points, with goal difference deciding the second semi-finalist. China currently have a neutral goal difference, while India and Australia are at minus-two.

India's defence, led by goalkeeper Savita and captain Salima Tete, has been strong throughout the tournament, but the team has struggled to convert chances. Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne called Sunday's match a must-win quarter-final. The two sides played a four-match series earlier this year, which ended 2-2.