Germany beat Spain 1-0 to claim fourth Men's Hockey World Cup at Belfius Hockey Arena
Germany beat Spain 1-0 in the final of the Men's Hockey World Cup at the newly built Belfius Hockey Arena on August 30, 2026, with Michel Struthoff scoring the only goal in the match.
The win is Germany's fourth World Cup title, following victories in Kuala Lumpur in 2002, Mnchengladbach in 2006 and Bhubaneswar in 2023, while Pakistan's four triumphs came in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994; Spain reached their third final and their first since 1998. Around 8,000 spectators watched a closely contested deciding match at the Belfius Hockey Arena.
Two well-organised defences dominated long periods of the final and Germany produced the decisive breakthrough in the 44th minute when Michel Struthoff finished from open play. The goal proved sufficient as neither side managed to score again.
The opening quarter was cagey with neither side able to convert early chances: Germany earned a penalty corner in the second minute but Benedikt Schwarzhaupt was denied by the Spanish goalkeeper, and Spain failed to convert a penalty corner of their own later in the quarter. Germany held more possession initially, while Spain began to assert themselves with quick passing and a structured build-up in the second quarter, though both teams lacked the final touch in the circle.
Spain fashioned a couple of promising openings before halftime when Joachin Menini found ifiaky Zaldua inside the circle in the 18th minute but possession was lost, and Nicolas Alvarez made a strong run from the right before losing control on entry to the circle. Germany's best first-half chance came shortly before the interval when Grobe Johannes picked up the ball near the left of goal and found Teo Hinrichs; Hinrichs' effort was blocked and the follow-up attempts failed to hit the target, sending the teams into the break locked at 0-0.
Spain began the second half with greater attacking intent and earned a penalty corner in the 39th minute after Gerard Clapes set up Pol Verdiell Cabre inside the circle, but captain Marc Miralles' drag flick sailed wide. Five minutes later a move involving both flanks opened the Spanish defence and Michel Struthoff was able to guide the ball into the net with the goalkeeper out of position.
Spain responded immediately and continued to press, earning another penalty corner in the 45th minute, but Miralles' attempt struck Germany's first rusher Prinz Thies, who was forced to leave the field following the impact. With time running out Spain coach Max Caldas withdrew goalkeeper Luiz Calzado with four minutes remaining in favour of an additional outfield player, but Germany's defence held until the final whistle.
Their latest triumph ensured Germany joined Pakistan at the top of the all-time Men's Hockey World Cup winners' list.
