Argentina’s women’s national field hockey team, better known as Las Leonas, is gearing up for the second round of the 2026 World Cup in The Netherlands and Belgium.
The team, led by head coach Fernando Ferrara, secured its spot in the second group-stage after beating Scotland 2-0 on Wednesday in its final opening round match, with goals from María José Granatto and Lara Casas.
The win sent Argentina to Pool F, one of two new four-team pools in the second stage. It will be joined by Germany, which beat the United States 3-1 on Wednesday to secure the other qualification spot in the group.
That result actually helped Las Leonas, as teams carry over into the second round results against squads they have already played in the first round. Since Argentina beat Germany 3-2 in its second match of the tournament, it will start the second round with 3 points instead of just 1 from its tie against the United States in its first game.
They will be joined by the top two teams from Pool C, where everything remains up for grabs. Belgium, Spain, and Ireland are all still in contention as potential rivals, depending on the final day’s results.
Regardless, Argentina’s next match is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, against the Pool C runner-up at 3:30 p.m, Argentina time. After that, they will face the Pool C winner on Monday, August 24, at the same time.
The top two teams from Pool F will advance to the semifinals.
Leones also through
Argentina’s men’s national field hockey team also capped off its 2026 World Cup first round, securing qualification for the next round with a 7-1 victory over New Zealand at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen.
Los Leones are set to advance to Pool E alongside England and India, the top two teams from Pool D. However, in this case, the rule of carrying over results will hurt Argentina.
The Netherlands will be the other team qualifying from Pool A. Since Argentina suffered a 3-1 defeat to the local Dutch team in the opening stage, it will enter Pool E with zero points.
Los Leones will take on England on Saturday at 2 p.m., and then India on Monday at 9:45 a.m., Argentina time.
