India will look to end its FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign on a positive note when it takes on co-host Belgium in the seventh-eighth place classification match in Wavre on Friday, August 28.
The two teams last met in the FIH Pro League on February 14, when Belgium beat India 4-2 to hand the host its third straight defeat in the competition.
Belgium made a blistering start and scored four times through Penalty Corners in a six-minute period, putting India on the back foot early. Hugo Labouchere opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Alexander Hendrickx scored twice and Arthur de Sloover added another as Belgium established a commanding lead.
India struggled to cope with Belgium’s pressure in the first half, with the visiting side repeatedly exploiting gaps in the Indian midfield and earning Penalty Corners through quick combinations and incisive counter-attacks.
Aditya Lalage pulled one back for India in the 24th minute after a goalmouth scramble, but Belgium’s early dominance had already put India in a difficult position.
India improved considerably after the break, with desperate defending and some important saves keeping Belgium from extending its lead. Harmanpreet Singh then converted a Penalty Corner in the 37th minute to make it 4-2.
The Indians had opportunities to reduce the deficit further, but their forwards were unable to make the most of their chances. Abhishek repeatedly found himself in promising positions but failed to hit the target.
There were also spells when India, with Hardik Singh orchestrating the attack, appeared to find their rhythm and play with greater cohesion. However, those periods were too fleeting to change the outcome.
Belgium, meanwhile, completed the first half of its Pro League campaign with a fourth consecutive victory.
The result: Belgium 4 (Hugo Labouchere 11-pc, Alexander Hendrickx 14-pc, 17-pc, Arthur de Sloover 15-pc) beat India 2 (Aditya Lalage 24, Harmanpreet Singh 37-pc).
Published on Aug 28, 2026
