Hockey

USA’s Para Hockey II Team Opens 2026 FIH World Cup with Historic First Match

Despite opening defeats to Belgium and France, the squad celebrates its first international goal and looks ahead to upcoming fixtures.

The United States entered the inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup in Louvain‑La‑Neuve, Belgium, with a roster that blended experience from the PA Revs club program and a collective hope of raising the profile of para‑hockey on the world stage. Their first test came against a Belgium side that surged to a seven‑goal lead in the opening half, ultimately sealing a 13‑1 victory that underscored both the competitiveness of the tournament and the learning curve facing the American team.

Opening Match Against Belgium

Among the highlights was a moment of personal triumph for Nate Miller, a member of the PA Revs club from Hershey, Pennsylvania, who notched the USA’s first-ever international goal in the sport. Miller’s strike, though insufficient to alter the outcome, symbolized a breakthrough for a program still carving its identity on the global stage.

Two days later, the Americans faced France, again falling 13‑1 but managing to find the back of the net once more. The match, like the opening loss, offered glimpses of offensive spark amid a steep learning curve. Looking ahead, the team is scheduled to play two more fixtures on the following day: a 4:00 a.m. ET clash with Ireland and a 9:00 a.m. ET encounter with Germany, both of which will test the squad’s resilience in back‑to‑back contests.

Upcoming Fixtures and Score Updates

While the games are not being livestreamed, enthusiasts can follow live score updates on USA Field Hockey’s Instagram and X accounts, as well as on the official FIH website. The limited broadcast options reflect the niche nature of the competition, but they also provide a direct line for fans to stay engaged with the tournament’s progress.

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