The Royal Belgian Hockey Association (KBHB) has finalized a three-match international test series at Wilrijkse Plein in Antwerp (3,500 capacity) for the Men's national team (Red Lions). Serving as head coach Michel van den Heuvel's final tactical evaluation ahead of Pool B play at Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, this warm-up series pits the co-hosts against England and Spain.
What is the schedule for Belgium's Antwerp warm-up fixtures?
The Red Lions will play three official test matches at Wilrijkse Plein in Antwerp against fellow World Cup contenders:
- August 3, 2026 (19:00 CEST): Belgium vs England (Men's Test Match)
- August 5, 2026 (19:00 CEST): Belgium vs Spain (Men's Test Match)
- August 7, 2026 (16:30 CEST): Belgium vs England (Men's Test Match)
| Opponent | Head-to-Head (Last 5) | Avg Goals Scored | Key Tactical Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 3 Wins, 1 Draw, 1 Loss | 3.2 per match | Neutralizing aerial outletting |
| Spain | 4 Wins, 0 Draws, 1 Loss | 3.8 per match | High-press circle entry defense |
What tactical combinations is Michel van den Heuvel testing?
Featuring Olympic gold medalists Arthur Van Doren (234 caps) and Victor Wegnez (178 caps), Belgium will test defensive transitions under match conditions. Coach Michel van den Heuvel noted that Belgium averaged 3.2 goals per match against England across their last five encounters. The Antwerp games aim to refine set-piece variations between drag-flickers Alexander Hendrickx and Loïck Luypaert. For more squad tracking, see our Belgium Schedule Hub.
How can fans attend the Antwerp warm-up matches?
Spectators attending the test series in Antwerp should follow local ticketing and transport guidelines:
- Ticketing Access: Test match tickets are priced at €15 for standing and €25 for seated grandstands via the KBHB portal. World Cup main event tickets are not valid for warm-up games.
- Antwerp Parking Restrictions: Street parking near Wilrijkse Plein is restricted. Spectators should use the Antwerp Expo P+R facility (Vogelzanglaan) and walk 800 meters to the ground.
Explore full match information on our Belgium vs Germany Match Preview and check Pool B Details.