Black Sticks big losses at FIH Hockey World Cup
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
A tough day for the Black Sticks at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, with both teams falling short of the quarterfinals and destined for the Classification Stage.
The men were dispatched by Argentina 7-1 with Kane Russell scoring early from a penalty stroke. However it crumbled from there.
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Argentina responded to level the match before halftime, with the teams going into the break locked at 1-1.
New Zealand had competed well through the opening half, but Argentina found another level in the third quarter and took control of the match. Once they found momentum, the Argentinians capitalised on their opportunities and extended their lead before running away with the game in the final stages.
The result meant the New Zealand men finished third in Pool A with one win from their three matches.
Their 2-0 victory over Japan carries through to the next stage, with New Zealand now joining Japan, Wales and Pakistan in Pool G.
The men will face Wales on Saturday 22 August at 8:00pm NZT before taking on Pakistan on Monday 24 August at 10:30pm NZT. The winner of Pool G progressing to the 9th/10th place playoff.
The Black Sticks Women lost to Spain 3-0 in their final Pool C match.
The result has New Zealand finish fourth in Pool C and move into the Classification Stage where they will now join Ireland, USA and Scotland in Pool H, with their result against Ireland carrying through from pool play.
New Zealand will next face the USA on Sunday 23 August at 12:30am NZT before taking on Scotland on Monday 24 August at 9:00pm NZT.
