USMNT Finish Out 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup with Loss to Ireland
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – In its final game of the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup, the No. 26 U.S. Men’s National Team fell, 5-1, in a rematch to No. 9 Ireland. The Wolves closed out the tournament with an eighth-place finish.
At the 12-minute mark, Ireland's Ben Nelson hit a low-angle reverse shot, as the Green Machine gained an early 1-0 lead. Despite two set piece chances from USA, the next two goals would come again from Ireland, who went up 3-0 as the second quarter waned.
In their third penalty corner attempt of the match, the Wolves finally answered back. Sekayi Charasika converted the chance right before halftime, as USA trailed 3-1.
After seeing a majority of the attacking chances to start the third frame, USA was back on the defensive end, including forcing a one-on-one save from goalkeeper Allard Andre de la Porte.
Not long after, Ireland scored their first penalty corner goal to take a 4-1 lead as the third quarter came to a close.
One final tally notched by Ireland in the final frame, and the Green Machine finished with a 5-1 win over USA. The Wolves finished the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup in eighth place.
Key Moments:
6' Ireland win the first penalty corner of the match
12' Ireland score off a low-angle backhand shot
18' Alberto Montilla wins USA a penalty corner
20' Ireland score a second goal to go up 2-0
23' Kei Kaeppeler wins USA a second set piece chance
28' A third field goal for Ireland
29' Third penalty corner chance for USA is converted by Sekayi Charasika
44' One-on-one save from goalkeeper Allard Andre de la Porte
44' Ireland score on a penalty corner to take a 4-1 lead
45' USA set piece chance
56' USA's Christian DeAngelis earns a yellow card
58' Ireland score, go up 5-1
Noteworthy:
- USA and Ireland played twice in the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup
- Sekayi Charasika scored in three consecutive matches to end the tournament
Quote from Head Coach Allan Law: "A disappointing way to finish the Nations Cup, but there are many positives to take away from the tournament. We have made important steps forward as a group, while also being exposed to key lessons that will help drive our continued growth."
At this level, details matter. We created opportunities to make today’s result closer and more competitive, but we know we must continue improving the work we do away from competition to consistently bridge the gap against the world’s best teams. We are encouraged by the progress made throughout the tournament and know we need to compete against teams ranked inside the top 15 on a regular basis. Those experiences are invaluable, and we look forward to continuing to challenge ourselves, learn, and grow at this level."
Next Up: Following the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, the USMNT will travel again, facing No. 19 Canada in three FIH sanctioned matches at the Tamanawis Field Hockey Turf in Surrey, Canada from June 29 to July 2.
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