Argentina won the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup to stun the odds as the Netherlands’ dominance came to an end on home soil on Saturday (August 29).
In the summit played at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, the Argentines defeated the Dutch in a penalty shootout to lift the trophy for the third time in their history.
The game had ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time, which forced the tie-breaker. The co-hosts took the lead in the 30th minute and looked set to seal their fourth World Cup title in a row, but Argentina managed to equalize in the closing minutes (54th) of the final quarter.
Three players from the Netherlands team missed in the shootout as they scored just once, while only one Argentinian missed while three players found the back of the net.
Netherlands’ 12-Year Reign Ends
This result means that there is a new world champion for the first time since 2014, as the Netherlands had won the title that year as well as in 2018 and 2022. The Oranje had not lost a single game in the tournament since the final of the 2010 edition. Interestingly, their last defeat was also against Argentina, who lifted the trophy at home for the second time after winning the final that year in Rosario by a 3-1 margin against the Dutchwomen.
During the 5831-day period between their two defeats in the Women’s Hockey World Cup, the Netherlands played 26 matches and won 25 while drawing one (SF victory vs Spain in 2018).
Apart from the 2010 and 2026 titles, Argentina had also lifted the title for the first time in 2002. They are now the second-most successful team in the competition’s history, going past Australia and Germany, who have both won three titles each. Netherlands remain on top with an extraordinary nine titles.
The men’s hockey World Cup final will be played on Sunday (August 30) between Spain and Germany at the Belfius Stadium in Wavre.