India, Aug. 24 -- India's hopes of reaching the semi-finals at the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 have become increasingly difficult after a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands. Their chances stayed alive when Argentina beat England 3-1, but Craig Fulton's side now need to beat Argentina by at least two goals in their final Pool E match. A two-goal victory would move India ahead of Argentina on goals scored, while a bigger win would give them the advantage on goal difference.

India will also need the Netherlands to beat England by a significant margin in the other match. The clearest route is for India to defeat Argentina by two goals and hope the Dutch win by at least three, which would put India ahead of England on goal difference and elimi...