Malaysia Comes From Behind to Beat USMNT at 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – The No. 26 U.S. Men’s National Team will play in the 7th/8th match after falling to No. 15 Malaysia in the 5th-8th round of the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Cape Town, South Africa. Despite a solid start and holding a 2-0 lead at halftime, the Wolves gave up four goals in the second half in the defeat.
In just the first minute, USA won a early penalty corner. On the second try, Pat Harris made a critical decision to ask for a video referral, and the subsequently awarded set piece was converted by Sekayi Charasika.
The Wolves doubled their lead early in the second frame when Alberto Montilla finished a ball sent across by Jack Heldens.
The scored remained 2-0 in favor of USA heading into the halftime break, as the USA defense outlasted several Malaysia penalty corners and attacking chances.
A new half brought renewed energy for Malaysia, who earned a penalty corner early and converted to cut USA's lead to 2-1. As USA began to display a breakdown in their possession and composure, Malaysia capitalized in the 39th minute to even the score at 2-2. Two penalty corner goals in the fourth quarter from Malaysia secured their 4-2 win over USA and moved the Wolves into the 7th/8th place match.
Key Moments:
1' USA earned an early penalty corner, Sekayi Charasika converted on the third retake
10' Alberto Montilla with a chance, sent the ball wide
17' Ball sent in by Jack Heldens is finished for a goal by Alberto Montilla
19' Malaysia earned their first penalty corner
21' USA countered to win a set piece
30' Allard André de la Porte replaced Emil Collins as goalkeeper for USA
33' Malaysia scored on a penalty corner
39' Malaysia tallied to even the match, 2-2
41' USA penalty corner
52' Malaysia took the lead off a penalty corner, 3-2
55' Malaysia scored another set piece, 4-2
58' USA with a late set piece chance, Aki Kaeppeler sent it wide
Noteworthy:
- Ajai Dhadwal played in his 150th international cap for USA
- This was the first meeting for Malaysia and USA that was not in an Olympic Games
Thoughts from Head Coach Allan Law: “It was not the result we were looking for today, and we are disappointed to have let a two goal lead slip. We controlled large periods of the first half and were pleased with many aspects of our performance. We need to give credit to Malaysia, who came out strongly in the third quarter and shifted the momentum of the game."
"For us, the key lesson is our on ball performance during that third quarter. At this level, momentum swings happen, and we need to be better at managing possession and making smarter decisions under pressure if we want to continue growing and competing against top nations. Despite the result, there were plenty of positives that we must build on. This group continues to show progress, and our focus now shifts to recovering well and preparing for tomorrow’s game with the same intent and belief."
"A special mention must go to Ajai Dhadwal, who earned his 150th international cap today. Reaching that milestone in the U.S. Men’s National Team program is an outstanding achievement and reflects Ajai’s character, professionalism, consistency, and unwavering commitment to representing his country. It is a remarkable accomplishment and one that everyone in the program is incredibly proud of."
Next Up: The USMNT will play either No. 9 Ireland in the 7th/8th place match on Saturday, June 20 at 6:15 a.m. ET. All games can be streamed on Watch.Hockey (PPV).
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