India draws 0-0 against Australia but crashes out of FIH Women’s World Cup 2026

India had multiple chances to find a goal but wasted them. | Photo Credit: Hockey India

India’s dreams of reaching the semifinals at the FIH Women’s World Cup 2026 were extinguished after a 0-0 draw against Australia at the Wagener Stadium on Sunday.

Australia had the same number of points as India (two) but advances to the last-four by virtue of having scored more goals.

India will now take on the team that finishes third in Pool F for the fifth place. Earlier in the day, Netherlands’ 4-1 win over China left a window open for India but its wasteful game cost it on the night.

Sjoerd Marijne even took off Bichu Devi for an extra outfield player in the closing five minutes.

However, despite the heartbreak, India is assured of its best finish at the World Cup since 1974.