Argentina’s women’s national field hockey team, known as Las Leonas, clinched their place in the second round of the 2026 World Cup with a convincing 2‑0 victory over Scotland in the tournament’s opening match.
Goals from María José Granatto and Lara Casas settled the contest, delivering the three points that positioned Argentina alongside Germany in Pool F, one of two new four‑team groups that will determine the semifinalists.
Germany secured their spot in the same pool by defeating the United States 3‑1, setting up a direct clash with the South American side in the upcoming stage.
Argentina’s men’s side also advanced to the second round, though their campaign began with a 3‑1 loss to the Netherlands that left them without points in Pool E, where they will later face England and India.
The men’s schedule includes a Saturday encounter with England at 14:00 local time, followed by a Monday showdown against India at 09:45, a fixture that could reshape the pool standings.
The top two teams from each pool will progress to the semifinals, meaning Las Leonas must navigate matches against the Pool C runner‑up on August 22 and the Pool C winner on August 24, opponents still to be decided among Belgium, Spain and Ireland.
Coaching direction
Head coach Fernando Ferrara will guide the squad through the next phase, hoping his tactical adjustments can translate the early success into a deeper run in the tournament.