New Zealand vs Argentina Preview & Prediction | 2026 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup | First Round
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New Zealand and Argentina are both locked together on three points, making this game essentially a shootout to decide who progresses to the second round as Pool A runners-up.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – not televised / USA – USA’s matches will be televised live on CBS
How to watch online: UK – British home nation matches can be streamed live for free on Channel 4 Sport YouTube, while all matches can be streamed live on FIH Watch.Hockey / USA – USA’s matches can be streamed live on CBS digital platforms, while all matches can be streamed live on FIH Watch.Hockey
New Zealand vs Argentina prediction
Both of these teams were beaten by Netherlands, but each picked up an expected win over Japan, setting things up for a showdown in the final set of Pool A matches to determine who joins the Dutch in moving forward to the second round. Argentina have the advantage of a superior goal difference, meaning that a draw would send them through ahead of the Black Sticks.
Key to this one is expected to the defence and the ability of either team to soak of pressure when not in possession. Argentina have done that better over the course of pool play, conceding three goals to Netherlands compared to New Zealand shipping five. Argentina also looked better from an attacking perspective and such cutting edge could be worth it’s weight in gold here. When taking this into the account, the smart move would be to back Argentina edging out New Zealand.
New Zealand vs Argentina tip: Argentina to win
