Report: Asghar Ali Mubarak / ANI
VIVRE, BELGIUM: Germany defeated Spain 1-0 in a closely contested final at the historic Belfius Hockey Stadium to win the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, becoming world champions for the fourth time and equalling Pakistan’s record for the most Men’s Hockey World Cup titles.
The final between the two traditional European rivals was highly competitive and defensively dominated. Neither side was able to break the deadlock during the first and second quarters.
Germany finally opened the scoring in the third quarter when striker Michael Struthoff produced a brilliant field goal to give his side a 1-0 lead. Spain mounted a series of attacks in the final quarter in an attempt to equalise, but Germany’s goalkeeper and disciplined defence successfully kept the Spanish attack at bay.
With the victory, Germany joined Pakistan as the joint-most successful team in Men’s Hockey World Cup history. Germany previously won the title in 2002, 2006 and 2023, while Pakistan lifted the World Cup trophy in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram congratulated Germany on their historic achievement and praised the players and teams that contributed to an exciting World Cup.
Pakistan finished 11th in the tournament. After defeats against England and India in Pool D and a draw against Wales, Pakistan made a strong comeback in the classification rounds. In the position match against South Africa, Pakistan recovered from a 1-3 deficit to level the match 4-4 before securing a 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout.
The 11th-place finish represents Pakistan’s best performance at a Men’s Hockey World Cup in the last 20 years.
Spain reached the World Cup final for the third time in its history but had to settle for the silver medal. Spain had previously finished runners-up against Pakistan in 1971 and in 1998.
In the men’s competition, Argentina claimed the bronze medal, while Belgium secured third place in the women’s tournament after defeating Australia 1-0.
Australia defeated England 2-0 to finish fifth, while Belgium defeated India 4-3 in a penalty shootout to secure seventh position in the men’s competition.
In the women’s World Cup final, Argentina defeated defending champions the Netherlands 3-1 in a penalty shootout to win the world title for the third time.
