Hyderabad, March 13 (NationPress) Uruguay achieved a commanding 3-0 triumph over Austria during their 5/8th position match at the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026, taking place in Hyderabad, Telangana, at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Ground (Gachibowli Hockey Complex) on Friday. The goals were scored by Teresa Viana (21', 44') and Captain Manuela Vilar (4').

In an earlier match, Wales triumphed over Korea with a score of 2–1 in their 5/8th place match. Captain Elizabeth Bingham netted both goals for Wales (49’, 53’), while Yeongeun Park scored for Korea (46').

India, already qualified for the Women’s World Cup 2026, is not resting on their laurels as they aim for victory in the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 title, with a semifinal match against Italy scheduled for Friday.

India topped Pool B, collecting seven points from three matches, showcasing a better goal difference than Scotland, who also finished with seven points. The host nation had two wins and one draw in the pool stage.

India kicked off their campaign with an impressive 4–0 victory against Uruguay, followed by a hard-fought 2–2 draw against Scotland, and concluded the group stage with a convincing 4–1 win over Wales.

With stellar performances in the pool stage, India secured their spot in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 as the highest-ranked team finishing fourth across the two qualifying events.

The Santiago segment of the qualifiers earlier concluded with Chile, Australia, and Ireland claiming three direct qualification spots. Japan finished fourth in Santiago and is currently ranked No. 15 globally.

Ranked ninth in the world, India has ensured that they will be the highest-ranked fourth-placed team across both tournaments, thus confirming their World Cup berth.

Having accomplished a primary goal, India is now looking to sustain their momentum and secure a place in the final against Italy, who finished second in Pool A with four points from one win, one draw, and one loss, providing a slight psychological edge to the host team.

India will also aim to capitalize on the remarkable form of forward Navneet Kaur, currently tied as the tournament's top scorer with four goals. She delivered an outstanding performance in the final pool match against Wales, scoring a stunning hat-trick.

Italy, on the other hand, will look to Federica Carta, who has been their main attacking asset with three goals in the tournament.

In their historical encounters, India and Italy have clashed seven times since 2012, with India winning five matches, Italy claiming one victory, and one match ending in a draw, giving India a slight psychological advantage ahead of the semifinal.