One of the most ferocious rivalries took to stage on Saturday as Argentina ended the Netherlands long unbeaten run winning the FIH Hockey World cup 2026 title in Amstelveen, Dutch. For the first time in 16 years, Argentina secured the global title. The two sides last met in 2022 during the finals, where the Dutch prevailed 3-1.
After 1-1 draw on regulation, Las Leonas held their nerve to win the shootout 3-1, denying the reigining Olympic champions a fourth chance to take home the trophy. Argentina goal keeper Cristina Cosentino emerged as the hero in this feat.
The Dutch took the lead through tournament top-scorer Yibbi Jansen on 30 minutes, her eighth of the World Cup. In the 54th minute, the Dutch side via Maria Granatto send the game to penalties where they prevailed.
The Netherlands launched their first attack in the eighth minute when Marleen Jochems delivered the ball into the circle, but no one was there to intercept it. Two minutes later, Sanders entered the circle again, but the Argentine defenders cleared the ball safely.
The Netherlands received their first penalty corner of the match in the last minute just before the break, and Jansen scored her eighth goal of the tournament with a powerful drag flick.
In the shootout Marjin Veen scored for the Netherlands while Pien Sanders and Felice Albers missed. For Argentina Victoria Granatto, Brisa Bruggesser and Sofia Cairo scored while Zoe Diaz’s goal was disallowed on referral.
The second semifinal was similarly close with Argentina defeating Australia with the same margin.
Earlier in the day, Belgium’s Red Panthers defeated Australia 1-0 to claim the women’s maiden bronze medal since 1978. Charlotte Englebert scored the only goal of the game.
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 concludes on Sunday, 30 August, when Spain face Germany in the men’s final at 16:30 CEST at the new Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium.