Belgium
FranceCo-hosts Belgium (Red Lions) thrilled a capacity crowd of 9,200 home fans at Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre (Boulevard de l'Europe 50, 1300 Wavre, Belgium) by overcoming neighbors France 3โ2 in a pulsating FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Men's Pool B derby on Saturday evening, August 15, 2026. Michel van den Heuvel's Olympic champions had to dig deep against Frederic Soyez's fast-improving French squad.
What was the final score in Belgium vs France at HWC 2026?
Final Score: Belgium 3 โ 2 France (Half-time: 2โ0, Regulation: 60 minutes)
- 09' โฝ Goal (Belgium): Alexander Hendrickx โ Trademark thunderous drag-flick off a penalty corner into the top-right corner.
- 16' โฝ Goal (Belgium): Florent van Aubel โ Spectacular diving tip-in from an Arthur Van Doren circle pass.
- 44' โฝ Goal (France): Timothรฉe Clรฉment โ Low drag-flick conversion on a French penalty corner.
- 53' โฝ Goal (Belgium): Tom Boon โ Clincal penalty corner flick through the legs of French goalkeeper Arthur Thieffry.
- 58' โฝ Goal (France): Victor Charlet โ Penalty corner rocket giving France late hope in a tense finale.
Key Tactical Breakdown & Penalty Corner Conversion Stats
Belgium held 61% possession, winning 6 penalty corners and converting 2 (33.3%). France were remarkably clinical, converting 2 of their 3 penalty corners (66.7%). Star Belgian goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch pulled off two decisive reflex saves in the final two minutes as France pressed with an extra field player.
How does this result affect Men's Pool B Standings?
Belgium join Germany on 3 points in Men's Pool B, sitting in 2nd place on goal difference (+1 vs Germany's +4). France sit 3rd with 0 points (-1 GD), ahead of Malaysia (-4 GD). Check updated standings on the Points Table Hub.
What are the next matches for Belgium and France?
Belgium host Germany on Monday, August 17 at 17:30 CET in a titanic clash at Wavre, while France take on Malaysia on August 17 at 11:00 CET. Follow live match developments on our Live Scorecard.