Hockey
FIH Women's Hockey World Cup LIVE: India vs South Africa - Blog, updates, score
Follow live updates as India look for their first win after drawing China 2-2 in their opening Pool D match.
India will be aiming for their first win of the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 when they face South Africa in a crucial Pool D encounter on Tuesday.
Sjoerd Marijne's side began their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China, showing plenty of attacking promise but leaving themselves wanting more in front of goal. Deepika and Navneet Kaur were both on the scoresheet in that match.
South Africa, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after suffering a 4-0 defeat to England in their opening game. India will start as favourites, but South Africa possess the pace to threaten on the counter and could punish turnovers in midfield.
Deepika's attacking form and penalty-corner threat, along with Lalremsiami's movement inside the circle and captain Salima Tete's pace on the ball, will be key for India.
The result could prove important in shaping India's route to the second round, with three points giving them a major boost in Pool D.
LIVE Updates:
Live Updates
- 18 Aug 2026 7:25 PM IST
HALF-TIME
India head into the break in complete control, taking a commanding three-goal lead into the second half. Sunelita Toppo, Navneet Kaur and Sushila Chanu have all found the net as India dominate South Africa.
Score: India 3-0 South Africa
- 18 Aug 2026 7:14 PM IST
25' GOAL! India make it three!
India keep the pressure on and eventually find a way through after a couple of penalty-corner attempts. Sushila Chanu's effort takes a deflection and sneaks past the South African goalkeeper to extend India's advantage.
Score: India 3-0 South Africa
- 18 Aug 2026 7:04 PM IST
17' GOAL! Navneet doubles India's lead!
India make their early pressure count again. Navneet Kaur unleashes a powerful strike from the penalty corner, sending the ball beyond the reach of the South African goalkeeper.
Score: India 2-0 South Africa
- 18 Aug 2026 7:01 PM IST
END OF Q1!
India finish the opening quarter with a deserved lead after Sunelita Toppo's close-range finish. South Africa have struggled to deal with India's attacking pressure so far.
Score: India 1-0 South Africa
- 18 Aug 2026 6:55 PM IST
12' GOAL! India take the lead!
India break the deadlock with a neat attacking move. South Africa fail to deal with the danger inside the circle, allowing Sunelita Toppo to arrive at the far post and finish from close range.
Score: India 1-0 South Africa
- 18 Aug 2026 6:52 PM IST
7' PC for India!
India earn their first penalty corner of the match after Baljeet Kaur is brought into play. The set piece is well executed, but South Africa's goalkeeper gets down quickly to keep out the flick.
Score: India 0-0 South Africa
- 18 Aug 2026 6:48 PM IST
5' Penalty Corner for South Africa!
South Africa suddenly break through India's midfield and find space inside the circle. Bichu makes a sharp save to deny the initial effort, but India concede a penalty corner soon after following a defensive mis-trap.
Score: India 0-0 South Africa
- 18 Aug 2026 6:46 PM IST
4' India pile on the pressure!
India has made an aggressive start, keeping South Africa pinned deep in their own half. India has already threatened inside the circle, but India are yet to turn their dominance into a clear scoring opportunity.
Score: India 0-0 South Africa
- 18 Aug 2026 6:42 PM IST
PUSHBACK!
We are underway! India, in their bright saffron kits, attack from right to left, while South Africa line up in dark green.
Score: India 0-0 South Africa
- 18 Aug 2026 6:38 PM IST
NATIONAL ANTHEMS!
The national anthems are underway as India and South Africa line up ahead of their crucial Pool D clash.
Score: India 0-0 South Africa
