USWNT Tie New Zealand in Second Phase 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Pool Game
WAVRE, Belgium – The No. 10 U.S. Women’s National Team opened the second phase of pool play at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup with a competitive 1–1 draw against No. 12 New Zealand. After falling behind early, the United Eagles responded in the second half with increased offensive pressure and a strong defensive penalty corner unit.
On USA’s first entry of the match, the United Eagles earned a penalty corner, but an unfortunate miscommunication prevented them from generating a scoring opportunity. In the 7th minute, Ryleigh Heck created another promising chance that resulted in a shot by Sanne Caarls. A minute later, New Zealand opened the scoring, finishing an all-out effort with a tap-in goal to take a 1-0 lead.
The second quarter remained tightly contested, with USA holding the statistical advantage but were unable to change the scoreline. The United Eagles earned back-to-back penalty corners in the 18th minute, with New Zealand’s post player making a crucial defensive deflection on the second attempt. Ashley Sessa added another look late in the quarter, firing a backhand shot in the 29th minute, but USA entered halftime trailing, 0-1.
New Zealand earned a penalty corner in the 33rd minute, but post player Bethany Dykema recorded a defensive save to keep the deficit at one. Two minutes later, goalkeeper Kelsey Bing made her first touch of the match, using her stick to deflect away a New Zealand cross. After New Zealand controlled the opening minutes of the third quarter, USA began to turn up the pressure midway through the frame. In the 39th minute, Claire Danahy made a brilliant individual run, created space and found the back of the net to level the score at 1-1.
The fourth quarter saw both teams continue to push for the go-ahead goal. In the 47th minute, Kelsey Bing made a key save on a New Zealand shot before Mia Schoenbeck cleared it away. USA earned a penalty corner in the 49th minute, but were unable to convert, while Kelsey Bing came up with another important stop in the 52nd minute to keep the score level. In the final minute, the Black Sticks earned a set piece, but Meredith Sholder made a strong defensive block to preserve the draw.
Key Moments:
3’ USA penalty corner
7’ Shot by Sanne Caarls
8’ New Zealand scored, 0-1
18’ USA set piece
29’ Backhand by Ashley Sessa
33’ New Zealand penalty corner
33’ Defensive save from Bethany Dykema
35’ Kelsey Bing with a stick deflection
38’ Backhand by Reese D’Ariano
39’ Claire Danahy evened the score, 1-1
47’ Kelsey Bing absorbed a shot
49’ USA penalty corner
52’ Save by Kelsey Bing
60’ New Zealand set piece
Noteworthy:
- USA last faced New Zealand in June at the 2025-26 FIH Hockey Nations Cup where regulation finished tied, 1-1, but the Black Sticks won in the shootout, 4-1
Next Up: The USWNT will play No. 11 Ireland on Monday, August 24 at 8:00 a.m. ET. Stream all games on Watch.Hockey (PPV).
Unlike competitors, USA Field Hockey does not receive funding from the government. Private support powers all U.S. National Teams.
If you want to support the U.S. Women's National Team at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup and beyond - learn more about the USA Field Hockey Foundation, click here.
All photographs appearing on this site are property of USA Field Hockey & World Sport Pics. They are protected by U.S. Copyright Laws, and are not to be downloaded, reproduced or used in any way without the written permission of USA Field Hockey & World Sport Pics.
If you are college club coach, high school coach, sponsor or media outlet, email communications@usafieldhockey.com.
