Hyderabad, March 9 Uruguay secured their first three points in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign by defeating Wales 3-2 in their second match in Pool B at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Ground (Gachibowli Hockey Complex) on Monday.
Manuela Vilar (29’), Agustina Diaz (36’), and Teresa Viana (41’) scored for Uruguay, while Anja Atkin (5’) and Rachel Goodwin (48’) scored for Wales.
Earlier in the day, England won their second consecutive match, defeating Korea 3-0 in Pool A to qualify for the semi-finals.
Lily Walker (16’), Elizabeth Neal (38’), and Grace Balsdon (44’) scored for England, helping them earn three points.
On Sunday, England defeated Italy 5-2, while Korea beat Austria 1-0 in a close match.
Grace Balsdon (12', 32'), Lottie Bingham (15'), Elizabeth Neal (16') and Anna Toman (27') scored for England, while Ivanna Pessina (19') and Federica Carta scored for Italy. In the second match, Seona Kim (34') scored the lone goal for Korea.
Hosts India opened their campaign in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers with a dominant 4-0 win over Uruguay.
Sunelita Toppo (21'), Ishika (40'), Lalremsiami (49') and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (58') scored for the home side.
The match started brightly in the first quarter as India made several circle entries and created multiple goal-scoring chances. In the 4th minute, the home side won their first penalty corner, with Udita scoring after a well-executed variation, but her shot went too high, so the goal was not awarded. Uruguay also had their moments, relying on counter-attacking hockey, but India's strong defense held firm.