India lose 4-2 to England, face must-win Pakistan clash in Hockey World Cup

India surrendered a 2-1 half-time lead to lose 4-2 against England in their second Pool D match of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Monday. Nick Bandurak put England ahead in the first quarter, but Harmanpreet Singh and Dilpreet Singh turned the match around for India by half-time. However, England struck three times after the break, with Stuart Rushmere and Henry Croft scoring in the third quarter and Bandurak adding his second goal late on.

Hindustan Times reports that India's 32-year wait for a World Cup victory over England continues, with their last win dating back to 1994. The result leaves England top of Pool D with six points from two matches, while India remain second on three points. Pakistan and Wales played a 3-3 draw earlier, leaving each on one point. India's final pool match against Pakistan on August 19 has become a must-win fixture to guarantee progression to the next round.