Match Summary
On 18 August 2026, Ireland’s women defeated New Zealand 3-2 at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, a result that keeps their path to the semi-finals open. The win came after a 2-3 loss to Spain in the Group C opener, making the victory a vital lifeline for the Green Machine.
Key Moments
Captain Sarah Hawkshaw broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, deflecting a superb cross from Niamh Carey as drizzle fell over Wavre. New Zealand’s Brittany Wang had been a persistent threat on the right wing before the goal, and Surridge equalised early in the second half. Hawkshaw almost added a second with a remarkable back-hand strike from a tight angle, but a video referral ruled the ball marginally outside the circle.
The match was a tense affair, with Ireland holding on to a narrow lead after a New Zealand reply set up a nervous close. Goals from Róisín Upton and Katie Mullan had initially put Ireland 3-1 ahead, but New Zealand’s comeback forced a dramatic finish.
Next Steps
Ireland now face tournament co-hosts Belgium on Thursday, a fixture that will likely decide whether the campaign goes any further. A win would make the Green Machine genuine semi-final prospects; a loss would reduce Tuesday’s win to a footnote.
The result is part of a broader success story for Irish athletes abroad, highlighted by Kate O’Connor’s heptathlon gold and the squad named for the European Athletics Championships.
The fans at Wavre were heard in full voice throughout, and the Irish support was a key factor in the atmosphere.
Final Detail
The match was played at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, with Ireland’s 3-2 win keeping their semi-final hopes alive.
