India ended its campaign at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 on a historic note, defeating Germany 3-1 in their fifth-sixth place classification match at the Wagener Hockey Stadium. The victory earned India a fifth-place overall finish, marking the national team’s best performance at the World Cup in 52 years, matching their previous best effort at the inaugural 1974 edition.
The match remained tightly contested throughout a goalless first half. Germany created multiple penalty-corner opportunities early on but failed to capitalize due to imprecise execution. India mounted its strongest attack during the second quarter, with Navneet Kaur and Salima Tete forcing three saves from German goalkeeper Finja Starck.
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The momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter as India scored three goals in quick succession. Ishika opened the scoring in the 43rd minute with a reverse-lift shot past Starck. Navneet doubled the lead just a minute later by converting a penalty corner with a touch-and-slap finish. In the 47th minute, Navneet struck again, dribbling past the goalkeeper and lifting the ball into the net to give India a 3-0 advantage heading into the final quarter.
India maintained defensive discipline throughout the fourth quarter, supported by key saves from goalkeeper Savita. Germany managed a late consolation goal in the 59th minute when Krings converted a rebound from a penalty corner, but India held on to secure the 3-1 victory.
