France Tops USMNT in 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – No. 10 France topped the No. 26 U.S. Men’s National Team in the final pool game of the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Cape Town, South Africa. Despite a tightly contested first half that ended tied, Les Bleus capitalized on their penalty corner opportunities in the second half to pull away and take the game 4-1.
USA opened the match with a disciplined half-court press and strong defensive structure, limiting France's opportunities despite the opposition controlling much of the possession. Les Bleus did not generate a meaningful circle entry until the 9th minute, when a backhand shot was denied by the glove of goalkeeper Allard André De La Porte.
France broke through in the 12th minute, scoring off the far post to take a 1-0 lead, but the USA answered before the end of the quarter as Jatin Sharma found Sekayi Charasika, who spun and finished to level the score at 1-1.
The pace and intensity picked up in the second quarter as both teams looked to create more attacking opportunities. The Wolves pushed forward with greater intent, while France generated several dangerous chances, including three shots that were all denied by goalkeeper André De La Porte.
With just 14 seconds remaining before halftime, France earned the game's first penalty corner, but the USA defense stood firm to keep the match level at 1-1 heading into the break.
Three minutes into the third quarter, France earned a set piece that was deflected off the line by Alberto Montilla. Les Bleus continued to apply pressure and converted penalty corners in the 34th and 36th minutes to build a 3-1 advantage, although goalkeeper André De La Porte made two key set piece saves to prevent further damage.
USA finished the quarter on the front foot, pushing forward and generating attacking pressure in the closing minutes.
The Wolves created a few promising offensive breakouts in the fourth, but double turnovers prevented the team from sustaining momentum and generating quality scoring chances. André De La Porte continued his strong performance with several key saves to deny France.
Le Bleus added an insurance goal from a set piece in the 58th minute to secure the 4-1 result.
Key Moments:
12’ France scored off the far post, 1-0
15’ Sekayi Charasika equalized, 1-1
23’ Allard André De La Porte with back-to-back saves
30’ France penalty corner
33’ Alberto Montilla deflected France set piece off the line
34’ France scored on a penalty corner, 2-1
36’ France tallied off a set piece, 3-1
38’ France penalty corner
50’ Allard André De La Porte with consecutive saves
56’ France set piece
58’ France converts a penalty corner, 4-1
60’ France set piece
Noteworthy:
- Goalkeeper Allard André De La Porte recorded his first start for USA, along with a career high 15 saves
- These nations have only played one other time in 2008, with France winning 7-4
Thoughts from Head Coach Allan Law: “We were pleased with aspects of our performance tonight, particularly our defensive discipline throughout the first half. However, if we want to continue growing and competing consistently at this level, we must improve our execution in transition moments."
"At this level, the details matter, and as a group we understand that. We are looking forward to our next match as another opportunity to build on the progress we’ve already made throughout this."
Next Up: The USMNT finish last in Pool B and will face the third finisher in Pool A on Friday, June 19 at 6:15 a.m. ET. All games can be streamed on Watch.Hockey (PPV).
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