IND vs ARG Hockey World Cup 2026: Argentina Beat India 5-3, End Semi-Final Hopes; Men’s Team Knocked Out

India's hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 came to an end after Argentina defeated the Indian men's hockey team 5-3 in their final Pool E match at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. India needed a convincing victory to remain in contention, but Argentina's early dominance and India's defensive lapses proved decisive.

The defeat leaves India at the bottom of Pool E and ends their campaign for a place in the last four. India will now play Belgium in the classification match for seventh and eighth place.

Argentina Make Flying Start Against India

Argentina came out aggressively and opened the scoring within the first minute. Joaquin Toscani found the net after just 39 seconds, putting India under immediate pressure.

Argentina doubled their advantage through Nicolas Della Torre, who converted a penalty corner. India responded through Sukhjeet Singh, who scored a field goal to reduce the deficit.

Argentina nevertheless finished the first quarter with a 2-1 advantage. The early goals gave them control of the contest and exposed India's defensive vulnerabilities.

Argentina Extend Lead in Third Quarter

After a goalless second quarter, Argentina regained control in the third period. Tomas Domene scored twice, including a penalty-stroke conversion, as Argentina moved into a commanding 4-1 lead.

India struggled to contain Argentina's attacks, with defensive mistakes repeatedly allowing the opposition to create dangerous opportunities.

India Launch Late Comeback

Argentina added a fifth goal through Lucas Toscani, leaving India with a huge deficit to overcome.

India refused to give up. Sukhjeet Singh scored his second goal of the match, before Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke to make it 5-3. However, the late comeback came too late, and Argentina held on for a crucial victory.

India Finish at Bottom of Pool E

The 5-3 defeat ended India's semi-final hopes. Argentina moved to six points and remained in contention for the next stage, while India finished at the bottom of Pool E without a point in the second round.

India's next assignment will be the 7th-8th place classification match against Belgium on August 28.

IND vs ARG: Goal Scorers

Team                                   Goal Scorers

Argentina     Joaquin Toscani (2), Nicolas Della Torre, Tomas Domene (2)

India                             Sukhjeet Singh (2), Hardik Singh