&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "FIH Men’s World Cup 2026: India knocked out after 3-5 defeat to Argentina")
India’s wait for a medal at the Men’s Hockey World Cup has stretched to 51 years after the Harmanpreet Singh-led side were knocked out of the 2026 tournament with a 3-5 loss to Argentina on Monday (Aug 24). According to ESPN, India needed to win by at least two goals to stay in the race for the semifinals, however, Argentina took advantage of India’s defensive mistakes to take control of the match and end their campaign.
Argentina made a quick start, with Joaquin Toscani scoring from a field goal in the first minute. Della Torre then doubled their lead in the sixth minute through a penalty corner.
India responded in the 10th minute when Sukhjeet Singh scored from a field goal to make it 1-2 and raise hopes of a comeback.
Argentina, however, extended their lead again in the 33rd minute through Domene. The same player scored his second goal in the 45th minute from a penalty stroke to put Argentina 4-1 ahead.
Lucas Toscani added another goal in the 53rd minute, leaving India needing four goals to stay alive.
India fought back late in the game, as Sukhjeet scored his second goal in the 58th minute before Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke a minute later to make it 3-5.
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India earned a penalty corner after Harmanpreet Singh’s shot found a foot just before the final hooter. However, his drag-flick was saved, confirming India’s exit from the tournament.
India conceded 16 goals in five matches, with their defensive problems proving costly against Argentina.
The defeat also extended India’s long wait for a World Cup medal. India have won the Men’s Hockey World Cup only once, in 1975, when they beat Pakistan 2-1 in the final in Kuala Lumpur.
India had won medals in the first three editions of the tournament, taking bronze in 1971, silver in 1973 and gold in 1975. However, they have failed to reach the podium since then.
India will now face Belgium in the classification match for seventh and eighth place.
With the men’s team’s exit, India’s campaign at the 2026 Hockey World Cups has also come to an end. The women’s team were eliminated on Sunday after a goalless draw against Australia.
For head coach Craig Fulton and his players, the focus will now shift to the Asian Games, which begin next month in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
With inputs from agencies
