USMNT Falls to Hosts in 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – In front of a sold out crowd, No. 26 U.S. Men’s National Team fell to No. 13 South Africa, 4-0, in their second pool game of the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Cape Town, South Africa. A disciplined USA defensive effort kept the match within reach, despite sustained pressure from the hosts.
The opening minutes were largely controlled by South Africa, which held most of the possession. In the 10th minute, Kei Kaeppeler delivered a backhand cross that found Sekayi Charasika for a shot, creating USA’s first attacking opportunity. The Wolves enjoyed a brief spell of control shortly thereafter, but South Africa remained threatening. In the 13th minute, South Africa lost their video referral yet quickly regained momentum and scored from a penalty corner within the same minute to take a 1-0 lead.
USA settled into the match in the second quarter and generated more controlled possession and created opportunities to move forward with purpose. Despite the improved spell, South Africa continued to apply pressure, forcing the red, white and blue into a disciplined defensive shape with all players committed behind the ball. In the 20th minute, Marius Leser ran down the right side and played the ball ahead to Charasika, whose shot was absorbed by the South African goalkeeper. The hosts earned two set pieces during the quarter, but USA’s defense stood firm to deny both chances for the unchanged scoreline.
USA struggled with turnovers throughout the third quarter, allowing South Africa to maintain pressure and capitalize on possession. South Africa doubled their advantage in the 36th minute to take a 2-0 lead, but the USA nearly responded in the 41st minute with a flurry of chances that saw shots from Michael Mendoza, Charasika, and Kei Kaeppeler. South Africa then earned a penalty corner on the ensuing sequence, but goalkeeper Allard André De La Porte, who subbed in at the break, came up with a key save to keep the deficit at two goals.
South Africa added two goals in the fourth quarter, finding the back of the net in the 53rd and 59th minutes to secure a 4-0 victory. Despite the result, André De La Porte made several important stops throughout the period.
Key Moments:
10’ Backhand cross by Kei Kaeppeler resulted in a shot from Sekayi Charasika
13’ South Africa scored off a penalty corner, 1-0
17’ Forehand shot from South Africa
20’ Good run by Marius Leser ended in a Sekayi Charasika shot
21’ South Africa set piece
27’ South Africa penalty corner
31’ USA goalkeeper Allard André De La Porte enters the game
36’ South Africa scored, 2-0
41’ Three consecutive shots from Michael Mendoza, Sekayi Charasika and Kei Kaeppeler
42’ South Africa set piece denied by Allard André De La Porte
48’ Green card issued to Henzor Motta
53’ South Africa scored, 3-0
59’ South Africa converted on a penalty corner, 4-0
Noteworthy:
- USA's Allard André De La Porte and Gary Johal both played in their first international caps
- The last time USA and South Africa met was during a four-game test series in 2020, where South Africa came out victorious on all occasion
World Sport Pics
Thoughts from Head Coach Allan Law: “We felt it was a competitive contest and, for three quarters, we matched the intensity and demands of the game. At this level, however, the margins are small, and today reinforced the importance of maintaining discipline, concentration, and execution across all four quarters."
"There were a number of positives to take from the performance. We created more attacking opportunities, and defended well for long periods. We also had the opportunity to continue building depth within the squad, which is an important part of our development."
"I would like to congratulate Gary Johal and Allard André de la Porte on earning their first senior international caps. Representing your country is a special achievement, and we look forward to seeing both continue their growth within the program."
Next Up: The USMNT plays their final pool game of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup on Tuesday, June 16 at 10:45 a.m. ET against No. 10 France. All games can be streamed on Watch.Hockey (PPV).
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