It summed up India’s day at the Wagener Stadion on Monday. Sukhjeet Singh put his arms aloft in celebration after scoring a goal in the 57th minute. But it was his side’s second to Argentina’s five as its World Cup run was nearing the end.
Twenty three years ago, it was in this very arena, where India scripted one of its greatest comebacks, overturning a 2-4 deficit in 15 minutes to beat Pakistan 7-4 in the Champions Trophy. Needing a big win to stay alive in the men’s World Cup, there was to be no repeat story from the current class as it went down 5-3. A sloppy display from Craig Fulton’s men , keeping with this team’s run so far in 2026, was picked apart by a ruthless Argentina. The former champion also let in 16 goals — the most it has conceded since the 2010 edition. Semifinal line-up Argentina progressed to the semifinals after England could only manage a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands later in the day.
The defeat was India’s third in five games in this World Cup. Finishing last in Pool E, India will play the seventh-place classification game against Belgium. India found a lifeline through Sukhjeet as he scored with a backhand finish. A late resurgence saw India reduce the margin with another goal from Sukhjeet deflecting in a slapshot from Mandeep Singh before Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke. The Dutch will meet Spain in Friday’s first semifinal while Argentina takes on Germany on the same day.