Published: March 8, 2026 at 10:59 pm
Australia women got the job done over Ireland, while Chile defeated Japan in shootouts, to lock down FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 qualification as it turned out to be an absolutely thrilling day for hockey in Santiago, Chile at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifier.
Ireland and Japan will play for a chance at third and a World Cup qualification. France and Malaysia will face off in the women’s fifth place match. Canada and Switzerland will play for seventh.
Australia manage to down Ireland 1-0
By a tight margin, Australia clinched their spot to the World Cup with a win over Ireland.
A strong Australia team kicked off the match with pressure, but the Ireland defense was up to the task. Australia was kept off the board for the entire opening frame, including having a penalty stroke stopped by Ireland goalkeeper Elizabeth Murphy.
In the second quarter, Australia had another chance at a penalty stroke, and this time there was no mistake: Claire Colwill put it away to put Australia up 1-0.
Australia women celebrate their victory over Ireland. Pics: fih.hockey
Working against the clock, Ireland substituted their goalkeeper out for the final five minutes, adding to the drama when Australia had a chance and Caoimhe Perdue saved it on the line. Despite another penalty corner opportunity, Ireland was unable to find the equalizer.
Australia’s Sarah Byrnes was named player of the match. “It’s very very exciting,” said Byrnes. “We had a tough few games coming in, with Pro League and stuff, but we’ve been building and building, and to get the win today against Ireland is just so exciting for this group.”
Chile win shoot-out against Japan
In a high-octane semifinal that needed shootouts to crown a winner, Chile punched their ticket to the World Cup.
It was Japan’s match to win after the first quarter, showing a higher possession and scoring what would be the lone goal for the next 45 minutes.
For the next two quarters, set piece chances on each side were defended, to the frustration of both teams. Time ticked down, all the way to the final minutes, and finally Las Diablas got the goal they needed so desperately. Domenica Ananias lifted the ball over the goalkeeper on a penalty corner, and the final whistle sounded over the roar of the home fans.
Chile, Australia and Japan through to women’s semifinals in WC Qualifiers in Santiago
Japan defended first in shootouts, with Chile’s Constanza Muñoz missing the attacking chance. The score remained nil after Japan did not make the attempt as well.
On the second round, Ananias notched the first goal for Chile, while Japan’s Akari Nakagomi was blocked. Both teams missed out on the third round.
The fourth round would be the final, as Chile captain Manuela Urroz put away her attempt and Natalia Salvador stopped Japan’s Miyu Hasegawa’s attempt.
Chile goalkeeper Natalia Salvador was named player of the match. “I’m really really happy,” said Salvador. “I think we have been working really hard for this moment, with my team, for a long long time. We are really happy and I’m really proud of my team.”
France women defeated Canada 2-0
France down Canada 2-0
Canada put up a fight in the first half but could not withstand a France attack that opened up their scoring in the second.
In the 34th minute, Emma van der Zanden became the first France player to score against Canada, with a redirection off a penalty corner shot. With renewed confidence, France continued to press, earning another two set piece chances and seeing Mathilde Duffrene convert the second.
The final quarter saw more frustration for Canada and a third goal for France, a set piece finished by Pauline Varoqui.
“We were really happy to win today against Canada,” said France’s Yohanna Lhopital, who was named Player of the Match. “And also, to rebound after the non-qualification to the World Cup.”
Malaysia beat Switzerland 3-1
Despite a start seemingly in favor of Switzerland, Malaysia would be the first to strike, capitalizing on an error in the 25th minute. Siti Mohd scored on the penalty corner, and Fatin Sukri did the same just a minute later to put Malaysia up 2-0.
Malaysian women celebrate their 3-1 win over Switzerland
The third quarter saw sustained pressure from Malaysia, which finally paid off when Nur Azhar notched the third goal. The next tally, however, would come from Switzerland, off a rare penalty corner chance in minute 43, finished by Sofie Stomp.
Even after electing to substitute their goalkeeper for an extra field player in the fourth, Switzerland was unable to score again.
Malaysia captain Juliani Din was named player of the match. “Great game today,” said Din. “It’s not easy, but we got the three points.”
