Chilean Field Hockey Team Finishes Last at World Cup After Loss to New Zealand

Chile's national women's field hockey team, 'Las Diablas,' ended their campaign at the 2026 World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium with a 2-3 defeat against New Zealand, securing the 16th and final position in the tournament. This outcome follows a challenging competition where the team struggled to secure victories, managing only a single draw against Australia during the group phase.

Despite the final standings, the Chilean squad demonstrated moments of strong performance and resistance throughout the matches. In their final game against New Zealand, they even held an initial lead. Captain Manuel Urroz scored twice, overturning New Zealand's opening goal. However, New Zealand's late surge with two goals in the final minutes dashed Chile's hopes.

The team's performance represents a step back from their previous World Cup appearance in 2022, where they achieved a 13th-place finish. This year's 16th-place finish underscores the difficulties faced by the team on the international stage.

The loss to New Zealand in the playoff for 15th place concluded a tournament where 'Las Diablas' fought hard but ultimately could not overcome their opponents, finishing at the bottom of the final rankings.

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Kaitlin Cotter (10') opened the account for the oceanics, but the historic captain of the team, Manuel Urroz achieved a brace (37' and 45') to put Las Diablas ahead. No obstante, in the final stretch of the duel the goals of Riana Pho (50') and Katie Doar (57') ended the national expectations.