Argentina end Netherlands' reign, claim Women's Hockey World Cup with shootout win

Argentina beat the Netherlands 3-1 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw to win the Women's Hockey World Cup. The result ended the Dutch run of titles as Argentina were able to avenge their World Cup 2022 final and Tokyo Olympics losses.

In Short

• Argentina won the shootout 3-1 in Amstelveen
• Argentina got their revenge for the final loss in the last edition
• The loss ended Netherlands' streak of four consecutive World Cup wins

Argentina ended the Netherlands' remarkable reign over women's hockey, beating the co-hosts in a dramatic penalty shootout to lift the FIH Women's World Cup on Saturday. The final finished 1-1 after regulation time before Argentina prevailed 3-1 in the shootout, denying the Dutch a fifth successive World Cup crown.

The triumph also gave Argentina a measure of revenge for two painful defeats at the hands of the Netherlands. The Dutch had beaten them in the 2022 World Cup final and again in the gold-medal match at the Tokyo Olympics, winning both encounters 3-1. Argentina, however, turned the tables when it mattered most to claim their third World Cup title, having previously won the tournament in 2002 and 2010.

HOCKEY WORLD CUP 2026: FULL COVERAGE

The Netherlands struck just before half-time through Yibbi Jansen, widely regarded as one of the finest drag-flickers in the women's game. Jansen converted the Dutch side's first penalty corner in the final minute of the second quarter, scoring her eighth goal of the tournament.

Argentina had to wait until the closing stages to find a response. After creating several chances from penalty corners without success, they finally broke through in the 54th minute. Captain Maria Granatto was on hand to score from the rebound after the Netherlands goalkeeper lost her footing while attempting to stop Agustina Gorzelany's flick, sending the contest into a shootout.

Argentina held their nerve when the final went to penalties. Victoria Granatto, Brisa Bruggesser and Sofia Cairo all found the net, while Zoe Diaz saw her effort ruled out following a referral. For the Netherlands, Marijn Veen was the only player to score, with Pien Sanders and Felice Albers unable to convert.

The final had begun as a closely contested affair, with neither side able to establish early control. The Netherlands created the first meaningful opportunities, with Marleen Jochems and Sanders making forays into the Argentine circle, but the South American defence stood firm. Argentina also struggled to find a way through, with Miranda Victoria unable to make her attacking move count.

The Dutch continued to press in the second quarter. Their experienced midfielder Xan de Waard helped build another attack, but Veen was unable to control the final pass. The breakthrough eventually arrived from Jansen's powerful drag-flick from the penalty corner on the stroke of half-time.

Argentina came out with greater intent after the break and began putting the Dutch defence under sustained pressure. Their first penalty corner early in the third quarter came to nothing, while another effort from Gorzelany was stopped by goalkeeper Anne Veenendaal.

The South Americans kept pushing and earned multiple penalty corners, but poor execution and a series of saves kept them out. Granatto also had a chance to equalise after Eugenia Trinchinetti beat three defenders and found her inside the circle, only for the Argentina captain to lose control of the ball.

The Netherlands had opportunities to put the game beyond Argentina's reach, including a penalty corner in the 50th minute, but Frederique Malta fired wide with Jansen off the field.

Argentina's persistence finally paid off in the closing minutes. After repeatedly being denied from set pieces, they earned their eighth penalty corner of the contest and found the equaliser through Granatto's quick reaction to the rebound.

The result completed a remarkable turnaround for Argentina and brought an end to the Netherlands' long-standing dominance of the World Cup. The Dutch, nine-time champions, had reached the final after edging Belgium in a tense semi-final, while Argentina booked their place with a narrow victory over Australia. Belgium later defeated Australia 1-0 in a fiercely contested match to claim the bronze medal.

- Ends