Published: March 5, 2026 at 1:23 pm
Chile, Australia, and France kept their World Cup dreams alive in the women’s division at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifier in Santiago, Chile. Chile scored a dramatic 2-1 win over Australia and France earned their first win as they defeated Switzerland 2-1.
One of the most balanced matches of the tournament so far ended in dramatic fashion, as Chile scored the go-ahead goal with time expired on a penalty corner. It took less than a minute for Las Diablas to earn a penalty corner opportunity, which was defended by Australia. The Hockeyroos would have their own set piece chance to end the period, which also was fruitless.
Despite a few good looks, Australia could not break through Chile’s defense, in part to the stellar goalkeeping from Chile’s Natalia Salvador. It was raucous cheers all around when in the 42nd minute, Chile converted a penalty corner. Josefa Salas was the hero, finishing and giving Chile their first lead of the match.
Not long after the start of the final frame, Stephanie Kershaw finally found the goal Australia had been so close to getting for the initial 45 minutes.
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Just when it seemed that the game would end with a draw, Chile made an offensive push, earning three penalty corners, including two with time expired. Maria Maldonado found the golden goal off the post to claim victory.
Chile’s Fernanda Flores was named player of the match. “It was a really hard game,” said Flores. “But I think we did all the staff told us to, so it was a win for us.”
France win, Switzerland eliminated
In a crucial Pool A match-up, France picked up their first win, while Switzerland were eliminated from a chance at the semifinals.
France was on the prowl in the first frame, so it was no surprise when they took the first lead in the 12th minute. France’s Léopoldine Coppin sent a ball in that Mickaela Lahlah deflected in over the goalkeeper.
France women scored a 2-1 win over Switzerland in the Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in Chile. Pics: fih.hockey
A minute into the following frame, Switzerland brought the scoreline back to level when Stephanie Weber tipped in a set piece shot. It would stay 1-1 heading into the halftime break.
After back-to-back penalty corner chances for Switzerland in the third, it was France who struck next, scoring via a connecting pass to Paola Le Nindre who finished it in goal. France nearly scored again after being awarded a penalty stroke, but a save from Switzerland’s goalkeeper Ursina Fazis kept it 2-1.
France’s Mickaela Lahlah was honored as player of the match and said: “It was the team effort that really worked today.”
