India secured their place in the second round of the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 after playing out a 0-0 draw against England in their final Pool D match in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Thursday.

The result was enough for India to finish second in the pool behind China and advance to the next stage.

Although a draw would have guaranteed qualification, India started on the front foot and created several opportunities in the opening quarter.

India earned three penalty corners but failed to convert any of them.

Ishika and Salima Tete also had chances from open play, but England's defence managed to keep the Indian attack at bay.

England gradually grew into the contest as the match progressed.

After a closely fought second quarter, the English side took control in the third period, dominating possession and putting India's defence under sustained pressure.

India conceded a series of penalty corners but remained resolute. Salima Tete impressed with her first-rushing, while Sakshi Rana produced a crucial goal-line clearance.

Captain and goalkeeper Savita Punia also made several important saves to keep England from breaking the deadlock.

India entered the final quarter knowing that 15 more minutes of resistance would be enough to secure qualification.

England, however, continued to attack relentlessly and increased the pressure in the closing stages.

The English side removed their goalkeeper and added an extra outfield player for the final five minutes in an attempt to find a winner. India were forced to defend deep but refused to surrender.

The biggest moment came in the dying seconds when England's Tessa Howard unleashed a powerful shot towards the corner.

Bichu Devi produced a spectacular diving save to parry the ball away and preserve India's clean sheet.

The save triggered celebrations in the Indian camp as the final whistle confirmed their progression to the second round.

'Today, we defended really well as a team. England are a very good team. But we did not stop fighting till the last minute,' skipper Salima Tete said after the match, according to ESPN.

India will now face hosts and defending champions the Netherlands in their opening match of the second pool phase on Friday evening.