India’s men’s hockey team bow out of the 2026 World Cup semi-final race after a 3-5 defeat to Argentina on Monday.Despite Argentina’s win over England keeping India’s qualification hopes technically alive, India needed a victory by at least three goals to make the last four.Instead, two early strikes leave them chasing the game almost immediately.
Argentina take control early
Argentina score within the opening minute through Joaquin Toscani, who fires past goalkeeper Mohit HS. Nicolas Della Torre then doubles the advantage in the sixth minute from a penalty corner. India respond quickly, with Sukhjeet Singh pulling one back in the 10th minute after being set up by Abhishek.India create opportunities but struggle with their passing and ball control. Several promising attacks break down because of misplaced passes, while Argentina remain organised defensively. Neither side adds to the score in the second quarter, leaving India 1-2 down at half-time.Argentina come out strongly after the break and extend their lead through Tomas Domene in the 33rd minute. His reverse hit beats a disorganised Indian defence and takes his tournament tally to seven, moving him ahead of Harmanpreet Singh’s six goals.
Late fightback comes too late
India earn several penalty corners but fail to convert them. Harmanpreet has opportunities, but his drag-flicks are either blocked or miss the target. Argentina then capitalise on another defensive error, with Domene converting a penalty stroke to make it 4-1.Lucas Toscani adds Argentina’s fifth goal with a superb reverse hit in the 53rd minute. India respond late, with Sukhjeet scoring his second goal in the 58th minute before Hardik Singh converts a penalty stroke a minute later.The late rally, however, cannot change the outcome. Argentina’s victory leaves India without a point from three Pool E matches, while the Netherlands have already secured a semi-final place.India now drop into the classification matches and will play for seventh or eighth place. Argentina, meanwhile, continue their dominance over India after beating them 8-0 and 4-2 in the FIH Pro League earlier this year.
