South Africa Face World Cup Reality Check in 4-0 Loss to England

South Africa's players perform the national anthem ahead of their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Pool D opening match against England, the first of three group stage encounters as world number 20 South Africa face England, India and China at the Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands, 16 August 2026. All Photos: Jan van Zyl

South Africa opened their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a 4-0 defeat to England in Pool D at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, with goals from Darcy Bourne, Tessa Howard, Elizabeth Neal and Sophie Hamilton giving England a commanding win.

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