India finished eighth at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after suffering a 3-4 defeat to co-hosts Belgium in a shoot-out on Friday. Captain Harmanpreet Singh kept India's hopes alive with a late penalty-corner goal, but Belgium eventually held their nerve to secure the win.

World No. 2 Belgium appeared set to win in regulation time after taking a 3-2 lead. However, India earned a penalty corner with only 26 seconds remaining. Harmanpreet stepped up and converted the opportunity with a powerful drag-flick to make it 3-3 and force a shoot-out. The goal was Harmanpreet's eighth of the tournament.

Belgium Win Shoot-Out 4-3

India had three successful attempts in the shoot-out. Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh and Abhishek found the net for the Indian side. However, Harmanpreet and Sukhjeet Singh failed to convert their attempts. Belgium scored four times through Tom Boon, Arthur de Sloover, Alexander Hendrickx and Roman Duvekot.

Victor Fourbert was the only Belgian player to miss his attempt as Belgium won the shoot-out 4-3.

India Take Early Lead

India started strongly despite facing the higher-ranked Belgians in cold and windy conditions at the Belfius Hockey Arena. A sizeable home crowd also created a difficult atmosphere for the Indian team.

India took the lead in the sixth minute through Abhishek. His shot from inside the circle took a deflection off a Belgian defender's stick before finding the net.

Belgium gradually gained control of the contest and levelled the score in the 22nd minute. Roman Duvekot finished the move to make it 1-1. Just a minute later, Belgium moved ahead. Hugo Labouchere produced a powerful drag-flick from a penalty corner to give the co-hosts a 2-1 lead.

Harmanpreet Brings India Back

India responded strongly after the half-time break. They won a penalty corner in the 31st minute, and Harmanpreet converted it to bring the score level at 2-2.

Belgium appeared to restore their lead soon after when Alexander Hendrickx scored from another penalty corner. However, India challenged the decision successfully, and the goal was ruled out.

India then came close to taking the lead in the 40th minute. Harmanpreet carried the ball down the left flank before finding Abhishek inside the circle. Abhishek's effort, however, hit a Belgian defender's stick and went wide.

Belgium Strike Again in Final Quarter

Belgium regained the advantage in the 47th minute when Nicolas de Kerpel scored to make it 3-2. India faced another worrying moment later in the final quarter. Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh was hit in the face by a Labouchere shot and immediately went down in pain.

The ball had travelled at considerable speed, raising concerns about an injury above his eye. Manpreet left the field but later returned to take part in the shoot-out.

Harmanpreet Keeps India's Hopes Alive

With the clock running down, India removed their goalkeeper and brought on an additional outfield player. The move allowed India to put greater pressure on the Belgian defence. Their attacking approach eventually produced a penalty corner with only 26 seconds left. Harmanpreet once again took responsibility. His drag-flick found the back of the net and made it 3-3, sending the match into a shoot-out.

However, Belgium were more composed in the decisive contest. Their 4-3 shoot-out victory ended India's hopes of finishing seventh and left the team in eighth place.

India's World Cup Campaign

India had entered the tournament with hopes of winning a World Cup medal for the first time in 51 years. They began their campaign positively by defeating Wales 3-1 and Pakistan 5-3 in the first round. However, they suffered a 2-4 defeat against England.

The second round proved more difficult for India. They failed to collect a single point and lost 1-3 to the Netherlands after conceding three goals in the final 19 minutes. Argentina then defeated India 5-3, ending their remaining hopes of reaching the semi-finals. India played all their matches in the Netherlands, while Belgium hosted the latter stages of the tournament.

Belgium Also Fall Short

Belgium also entered the competition with high expectations but failed to reach the semi-finals. The world No. 2 side was eliminated from the semi-final race after drawing 1-1 against Australia and Spain in the second round.

Despite falling short of their respective targets, Belgium eventually finished above India after winning the tense shoot-out in the classification match.