Friday, August 28 – Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Men’s Hockey Team ended their time at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup with defeat to New Zealand in their 9th/10th Place ranking match. Despite the defeat Ireland still record a 10th place finish, a highest ever at a world cup. New Zealand were clinical in the first half scoring four unanswered goals, but Ireland mounted a fight back in the second half when Gregory Williams and Lee Cole found the net from set pieces. Despite Ireland’s efforts, New Zealand cancelled the goals out in counter attacks, before Ireland added a consolation in the final minute through Jeremy Duncan.
A lively start saw New Zealand put Ireland under immediate pressure, winning a penalty corner that led to the opener, Kane Russell’s flick taking a deflection on the way through to take it away from Jaime Carr in the Irish net. Russell added a second from a penalty corner before the end of the opening quarter to double his side’s lead.
New Zealand remained the team in control in the second quarter connecting well in the 21st minute to allow George Baker to fire into the bottom corner. Their fourth came before half-time courtesy of Sam Lane, with Jaime Carr required two occasions before the end of the half to avoid further damage.
Ireland looked a different team entirely in the second half, pressing New Zealand with much higher intent. Alistair Empey won ireland a penalty corner, which allowed Gregory Williams to flick powerfully into the back of the net to grab his first goal in Belgium. Ireland got their second courtesy of Lee Cole who calmly converted a penalty stroke after Williams once again flicked at goal from a penalty corner, only to see his effort hit a defender on the line.
Ireland continued to push, coming within millimeters of a third when Williams once again stepped up from the penalty corner, but the New Zealand goalkeeper get a toe to the effort to take it just wide of the post.
An intense final quarter followed as Ireland continued to try and mount a comeback. New Zelanad, however, got their fifth goal early in the period, Sam Lane getting his second with a powerful reverse. New Zealand restored their four-goal cushion with two minutes to play in somewhat controversial fashion. An apparent foul on Ireland’s Sean Murray during a penalty corner was not given allowing New Zealand to break and finish via Finn Ward.
Ireland ended the tie on a positive note, Jeremy Duncan reacting quickest to a save following yet another Gregory Williams penalty corner, grabbing Ireland a late consolation.
The result sees Ireland come tenth at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, their best ever finish at the competition in their four appearances.
Be the first to comment on "Ireland lose out to New Zealand in high scoring 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup closer."