On the third day of the 2026 FIH Para Hockey World Cup in Louvain‑La‑Neuve, Belgium, the United States men’s team faced a double‑header that tested both their defensive organization and offensive firepower.
A pair of narrow defeats
The first match ended in a 10‑1 loss to Italy, where the Americans struggled to contain a relentless Italian attack. In the second game, the United States fell 18‑4 to Pakistan, but the score did not fully reflect the progress they made in the second half.
Braden Jenkins opened the scoring for the United States in the 17th minute, and later that day Noah Croy recorded his first career goal in the 25th minute. Both moments highlighted a growing confidence within the squad.
Jessi Everett was the standout offensive force, netting two goals against Pakistan. Her contributions lifted her tournament total to four goals, making her the USA’s leading scorer and underscoring her importance to the team’s attack.
Looking ahead to Zambia
The United States will close out pool play tomorrow with a 4:00 a.m. showdown against Zambia. The final placement games for the tournament are also scheduled for August 24, giving the team a final chance to adjust rankings before the event concludes.
While the matches are not being livestreamed, fans can stay updated on the action through USA Field Hockey’s Instagram, X, and the official FIH website, where live scores and post‑game analyses will be posted.
Coach and teammates alike praised the team’s perseverance, noting that the experience gained on the ice will be crucial as they prepare for future competitions. Jessi Everett’s emergence as a top scorer adds a promising narrative for the United States as they look to build on this momentum.