Heartbreak for India as Australia advance to semifinals after goalless Hockey World Cup draw

India’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign came to a heartbreaking end as Australia held them to a 0-0 draw and advanced to the semifinals on Sunday. With the result, Australia progressed by virtue of having scored more goals in the pool, while India will now play for fifth place.

Australia started strongly and appeared to take the lead in the second minute through Grace Stewart, but India immediately reviewed the goal for dangerous play. The referral went India’s way and the goal was ruled out.