Ireland women secure crucial World Cup pool win over New Zealand
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 12:31 PM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026
The Ireland women’s hockey team defeated New Zealand 3-2 in Wavre, Belgium, marking their first World Cup pool win in eight years. After a narrow loss to Spain in their opening game, this victory was essential for Ireland's progression in the tournament. Sarah Hawkshaw, Roisin Upton, and Katie Mullan scored for Ireland, while Upton also converted a crucial penalty stroke. The Irish team drew motivation from the recent successes of other Irish athletes at the European Championships. They face hosts Belgium next, where they will need a strong performance to further their chances in the tournament.
- •Ireland's win is their first World Cup pool victory since 2018.
- •Hawkshaw, Upton, and Mullan scored to secure the win over New Zealand.
- •Ireland's next match is against hosts Belgium on Thursday.
- •Upton's penalty stroke and Mullan's goal were crucial in the tight contest.
- •The match featured strong Irish support, fueled by recent athletic achievements.
- 12:31 PMYahoo Sports — Ireland's World Cup hopes alive after win over NZ
- 12:31 PMBBC Sport — Ireland's World Cup hopes alive after win over NZ
"The Ireland women’s hockey team looked no further than the success of the country’s athletes and swimmers over the past 10 days to help inspire them to a first World Cup Pool win in eight years.
"Ireland's women looked no further than the success of the country’s athletes and swimmers over the past 10 days to inspire them to a first Hockey World Cup pool win in eight years.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 12:31 PMIreland's World Cup hopes alive after win over NZ
The Ireland women’s hockey team looked no further than the success of the country’s athletes and swimmers over the past 10 days to help inspire them to a first World Cup Pool win in eight years.
- BBC SportAug 18, 2026, 12:31 PMIreland's World Cup hopes alive after win over NZ
Ireland's women looked no further than the success of the country’s athletes and swimmers over the past 10 days to inspire them to a first Hockey World Cup pool win in eight years.
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