Spain eliminate Belgium from Hockey World Cup semi-finals with 1-1 draw in Wavre

Early lead at Belfius Hockey Arena

Belgium entered their final second-phase group match on Sunday evening at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre with clear requirements. Germany had defeated Australia 4-2 in the preceding match, meaning the Red Lions needed an outright victory against Spain to claim second place in Group F. A win would have earned the host nation a semi-final match against the Netherlands on Friday in Wavre.

The home side opened the scoring in the 4th minute of play. Belgian captain Arthur Van Doren converted a penalty corner, with his shot taking a deflection off a Spanish defender before entering the goal. Shortly afterwards, Tom Boon appeared to double Belgium's lead, but Spain requested a video referral. The review showed a backstick infringement, leading the officials to disallow Boon's goal.

Spanish pressure and the fourth-quarter equalizer

The second quarter became more balanced as Spain pushed forward. Belgian goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch preserved the advantage by pulling off a double save. At the other end, Boon created space in the circle and deflected a ball towards the net, but Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado made the stop.

The dynamic changed following the half-time break. The squad coached by Shane McLeod lost their right to video referrals after an unsuccessful appeal early in the second half. Spain grew in confidence and applied sustained pressure on the Belgian defense. In the 46th minute, at the start of the fourth quarter, Marc Miralles scored from a penalty corner to make it 1-1, beating Vanasch with a shot that the goalkeeper could not reach.

Group F standings and semi-final qualification

The 1-1 draw eliminated Belgium from medal contention at the 2026 Men's Hockey World Cup. With two points from three second-phase fixtures, Belgium finished fourth in Group F. Germany won the pool with six points, while Spain secured the second semi-final place with four points, advancing on goal difference ahead of Australia, who also finished on four points.

Analyst Maxime Luycx assessed Belgium's second-half drop in intensity after the final whistle.

It is obviously a terrible disappointment for everyone, and for the players in the first place because they dreamed of playing the semi-finals in front of their home crowd. I think they played quite well in the first half and could even have led by two or three goals with a little more luck. There was notably that big chance for Tom Boon and that disallowed goal. But, after the break, I had the feeling that they stopped playing a bit. They put less pressure on the Spanish defense and let their opponent regain confidence and gradually take control of the game. There were still one or two big chances and very good saves from Luis Calzado, but Belgium no longer imposed their hockey enough. And Spain ultimately deserves their qualification.

Classification match for Belgium

Spain will contest the World Cup semi-finals against the Netherlands on Friday in Wavre. Germany also advanced from Group F after defeating Australia 4-2 in the earlier match. Belgium will not appear on the podium at their home tournament and will instead compete in the match for seventh place against an opponent yet to be determined.