Belgium knocked out of Hockey World Cup after 1-1 draw with Spain
Belgium failed to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 Men's Hockey World Cup in Wavre after a 1-1 draw against Spain left the host nation bottom of Group F.
Match action in Wavre
Belgium entered their final second-round group match at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre needing a victory to secure a place in the semi-finals. Captain Arthur Van Doren gave the hosts an early advantage in the 4th minute by converting a penalty corner, with the shot deflecting off a defender into the net. The Red Lions created multiple chances to double their lead in the first half, including a disallowed goal by Tom Boon after a video referral cited a backstick infraction, as well as a shot that struck the post. Goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch preserved the lead with a double save before the break.
Spain increased their pressure during the second half as Belgium conceded territory. In the 46th minute, at the start of the fourth quarter, Spanish player Marc Miralles converted a penalty corner to level the score at 1-1. Despite late pressure from Shane McLeod's squad, Spain goalkeeper Luis Calzado kept the hosts at bay to confirm the draw.
- Arthur Van Doren scores from a penalty corner to give Belgium a 1-0 lead
- Tom Boon has a goal disallowed for a backstick infraction following a video referral
- Marc Miralles converts a penalty corner to level the score at 1-1 for Spain
Group F standings and elimination
The 1-1 result confirmed Belgium's elimination from medal contention at their home tournament. Germany finished top of Group F with six points following a 4-2 win over Australia earlier in the day. Spain secured second place and qualification with four points, advancing ahead of Australia on goal difference. Belgium concluded the group in fourth place with two points.
- Germany
- 6 points
- Spain
- 4 points
- Australia
- 4 points
- Belgium
- 2 points
Spain and defending champions Germany advance to the semi-finals, while Belgium will contest the 7th-place classification match on Friday against an opponent yet to be determined. The tournament concludes with the final in Wavre on 30 August 2026.
Reactions from the Belgian squad
The Belgian players expressed disappointment after failing to advance in front of their home supporters in Wavre. Captain Arthur Van Doren reflected on the team's recurring struggles with scoring efficiency throughout the tournament.
We are very disappointed, obviously. It is difficult to find the right words. We are not far, but it is a bit like throughout the tournament. We create enough, but it was just not enough. It is difficult to be positive.
Forward Roman Duvekot voiced frustration over the disallowed first-half goal and the team's inability to capitalize on possession.
I have no words. It is an enormous disappointment. We dominate on the ball, we score two real goals. The second one, I do not understand how that cannot be a goal. In that case, 50% of reverse-stick goals are scored with a backstick. For the rest we defend well, but we must score more goals.
Ongoing struggles against Spain
The result extends a difficult run for Belgium against Spain, coached by former Netherlands manager Max Caldas. Spain previously eliminated Belgium at the quarter-final stage of the 2024 Olympic Games and during the 2025 European Championship. The elimination leaves the Red Lions without a semi-final appearance across three consecutive tournaments. Defender Nicolas De Kerpel noted that despite controlling matches against top nations, the team repeatedly fell short in decisive moments.
