India's FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 journey ended after a 3-5 loss to Argentina. Head Coach Craig Fulton expressed disappointment, stating the team failed to play their fast-paced, attacking brand of hockey, extending their 51-year title wait.

'Did Not Play Our Normal Hockey': Fulton on World Cup Exit

Following his side's loss to Argentina in a must-win FIH Men's Hockey World Cup match, Team India head coach Craig Fulton expressed disappointment with the team's performance, saying they failed to play their fast-paced, attacking brand of hockey.

India's hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 ended with a 3-5 defeat against Argentina in their concluding Pool E match at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Monday, extending their wait for the World Cup beyond 51 years, having last won the tournament back in 1975.

Speaking after the match in a video posted by Hockey India, Fulton said, "Dissapointing. I think we did not have the start we wanted to have, I am glad we got back into the game, 2-1 (first goal in 10th minute by Sukhjeet Singh in 10th minute after two early Argentina goals). Halftime came at a good time; we regrouped but unfortunately, the third quarter was a little hard to manage (conceding two more goals). We did not play our normal, fast-paced hockey. But the last seven or eight minutes, we started to find our stride and scored two goals, could have been a third goal. We finished 5-3 in a big game and unfortunately, not good enough."

Chief Coach Craig Fulton shares his thoughts after the Indian Men’s Team’s Pool E clash against Argentina at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. 🏑 India lost 3-5 in their concluding Pool E match. #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HWC2026 #INDvsARG pic.twitter.com/6Ys6jNHlTa — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 24, 2026

Match Breakdown: How Argentina Sealed India's Fate

According to ESPN, India needed to beat Argentina by at least two goals to keep their semifinal hopes alive, but a poor defensive display allowed the South Americans to take control and end India's campaign.

Argentina started aggressively and took the lead in the first minute through Joaquin Toscani, who converted a field goal. Della Torre then doubled the advantage in the sixth minute with a penalty corner.

India responded through Sukhjeet Singh, who pulled one back with a field goal in the 10th minute, giving the hosts hope of a comeback.

However, Argentina restored their two-goal cushion in the 33rd minute when Domene found the target. The same player struck again in the 45th minute, converting a penalty stroke to make it 4-1.

Lucas Toscani then added Argentina's fifth goal in the 53rd minute, leaving India with a mountain to climb.

India's Late Fightback Not Enough

India showed some late fight as Sukhjeet scored his second goal of the match in the 58th minute before Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke a minute later to reduce the deficit to 3-5.

India earned a penalty corner right on the final hooter after Harmanpreet Singh found a foot, but his drag-flick was saved, bringing their World Cup campaign to an end.

Defensive Frailties and Historical Context

India conceded 16 goals across five matches, with their defensive frailties ultimately proving costly in a tournament where they needed a strong result against Argentina.

The defeat also extends India's long wait for a World Cup medal. India have won the Men's Hockey World Cup only once, in 1975, when they defeated Pakistan 2-1 in the final in Kuala Lumpur. The country had won medals in each of the first three editions -- bronze in 1971, silver in 1973 and gold in 1975 -- but has not returned to the podium since.

India will now play Belgium in the classification match for seventh and eighth place. (ANI)

Focus Shifts to Asian Games

The result also means India's campaign at the 2026 Hockey World Cups has ended, with the women's team having been eliminated on Sunday following a goalless draw against Australia.

For head coach Craig Fulton and the Indian players, attention will now quickly turn towards the Asian Games, which begin next month in Japan's Aichi-Nagoya. (ANI)

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