Ireland keep World Cup hopes alive with New Zealand win

Ireland's World Cup aspirations were revived after a thrilling 3-2 victory over New Zealand at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Belgium. The match, which took place on August 18, 2026, marked Gareth Grundie's side's first competitive win against New Zealand in 10 attempts. This significant triumph comes after a 3-2 loss to Spain in the opening round, which had put pressure on Ireland to secure a positive result.

New Zealand, after a previous defeat to Belgium, entered the match in a similar position, with a cagey and low-quality first half expected. The first half saw Sarah Hawkshaw score for Ireland in the first quarter, but the teams traded unsuccessful penalty corners throughout. Hawkshaw extended Ireland's lead in the second period, and New Zealand, under immense pressure, managed to equalize with a goal from Casey Crowley after a beautiful reverse flick by Kaitlin Cotter.

Hawkshaw nearly restored Ireland's lead but was denied by a close review. In the closing minutes, Ireland's Katie Mullan sealed the victory with a well-executed penalty corner. Ireland now faces the Belgians in the next match, with the potential to secure a top-two spot in Pool C.