India will look to end its FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign on a winning note when it faces co-host Belgium in the 7th-8th position classification match in Wavre on Friday.
India’s hopes of reaching the semifinals ended after defeats against the Netherlands and Argentina in the second stage. It finished at the bottom of Pool E and will now be aiming to finish seventh and head into the Asian Games next month with some momentum.
Belgium will also be eager to sign off its home World Cup campaign with a victory. The Red Lions finished bottom of Pool F after drawing 1-1 against both Australia and Spain. Playing in front of their home supporters in Wavre could provide them with an added boost.
For India, the match offers an opportunity to rediscover its rhythm after an inconsistent second stage. Its attacking intent has been encouraging, but converting chances and maintaining intensity across all four quarters will be crucial against a disciplined Belgian side.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh and India’s Penalty-Corner unit will once again be key, while the team will also look for greater productivity from open play. Better coordination between defence, midfield and attack will be vital, particularly against Belgium’s ability to exploit turnovers during transitions.
“It’s a great opportunity to finish the tournament as high as we can. We have unfinished business in the tournament and we would like to put in a good performance that we could be proud of,” chief coach Craig Fulton said.
Fulton also stressed the need for India to be organised against a Belgian side whose structure it knows well.
Published on Aug 28, 2026
