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Argentina knocked the Dutch from their women’s hockey throne for the first time in ten years on Saturday the 29th of August, 2026 when after a thrilling 3-1 penalty-shoot out they defied and saw off the co-hosts to take the World Cup, to roaring home fans, against the defending champions. Los Leonas earned themselves the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup title, stopping two-time Olympic medal winners and four-time World Cup holder world champions Netherlands, a fifth successive title victory. It was redemption too for Argentina, having only been beaten twice in the past couple of tournaments in high-profile contests- twice by the Dutch: in the 2022 World Cup final and by one position in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medal game.
It was the Dutch that led at half. Seconds after the buzzer before half-time, the Netherlands was granted a penalty corner opportunity just in front of Argentina’s cage, from which Yibbi Jansen, as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, perfectly flicked to double her total.
With relentless attack in the second half, gaining eight corner opportunities, Argentina finally had a breakthrough when captain Mara Granatto capitalized on the rebound off a flick by Agustina Gorzelany to tie the match 1-1 and force penalties. Goaltender Cristina Cosentino was awarded the match player honors, and capitalized on key saves and stopped the lone shot from the Netherlands, allowing teammate Victoria Granatto and Brisa Bruggesser each with a shot to win. Sofa Cairo added the match-winner for Argentina, while Marijn Veen scored the Netherlands’ sole shot; Pien Sanders missed, Felice Albers missed, handing the cup to the South Americans on a dramatic night.
Source: International Hockey Federation (FIH official news)
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