USWNT Finish FIH Hockey World Cup Pool Play with Loss to Germany
WAVRE, Belgium – The No. 10 U.S. Women’s National Team fought throughout their final pool match at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, but ultimately fell to No. 6 Germany, 3-1. Die Danas built an early advantage before USA found a spark, but the United Eagles were unable to complete the comeback.
Germany controlled much of the opening quarter, holding the advantage in circle entries and scoring opportunities. Just two minutes into the match, Die Danas fired off two quick shots, with the first saved by Kelsey Bing and the second going wide. Kelsey Bing was called into action again a few minutes later, making a series of saves as Germany generated another flurry of chances.
Kelsey Bing continued to stand strong in goal, making key saves on an early Germany shot and penalty corner opportunity. Die Danas eventually broke through in the 21st minute, converting a penalty stroke to take the lead.
A 27th-minute green card against Germany ignited a spark for USA, leading to a shot by Phia Gladieux and several promising entries, but the score remained 1-0 going into the break.
Germany extended their lead three minutes into the third period to make it 2-0, but the United Eagles continued to battle. In the 39th minute, Ashley Sessa weaved through traffic and found the back of the net to cut Die Danas’ lead in half.
Germany responded in the 43rd minute, converting a penalty stroke to restore its two-goal advantage.
USA entered the final frame determined to close the gap. The pressure resulted in back-to-back penalty corners in the 50th minute, but the United Eagles were unable to convert either opportunity. With time winding down, Kelsey Bing was pulled in the 55th minute for an extra field player as the USA continued to press, but Germany held on for the 3–1 victory.
Key Moments:
2’ Shot by Germany stopped by Kelsey Bing
5’ Scramble absorbed by Kelsey Bing
9’ Green card issued to Germany
16’ Kelsey Bing with a glove save
19’ Germany penalty corner
21’ Germany converted a penalty stroke, 0-1
27’ Green card issued to Germany
27’ Shot by Phia Gladieux
33’ Germany extends their lead, 0-2
39’ Ashley Sessa scored into the net, 1-2
41’ Germany penalty corner
43’ Germany penalty stroke goal, 1-3
47’ Save from Kelsey Bing
50’ Back-to-back set pieces for USA
55’ USA pulled Kelsey Bing
Noteworthy:
- Leah Crouse played in her 75th international cap
- USA last faced Germany in the 2023-24 FIH Hockey Pro League, where Die Danas won 2-0
Next Up: The USWNT move into Pool H for the 9th through 16th placement round and will play on Saturday, August 22. Watch all games on CBS Sports or Watch.Hockey (PPV).
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