Germany joined Pakistan as the joint most successful team in Men’s Hockey World Cup history by defending their title after beating Spain 1-0 in an all-European clash.
Photo : AP
Germany created history by beating Spain 1-0 in the final of the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup on Sunday (August 30) at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre to lift the trophy for a record-equaling fourth time in history. The Europeans defended their title, which they won in 2023 after beating Belgium in the final at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
The Germans are the second team to win the title four times after Pakistan and are now the joint-most successful team in the competition’s rich history. Previously, the Honamas have lifted the trophy in 2002, 2006, and 2023.
Germany has become the first team to defend the trophy twice. Apart from them, only Pakistan (1978, 1982) and Australia (2010, 20114) have won the tournament in back-to-back editions.
Germany Seal Tense Victory
After a goalless first half, a goal in the penultimate minute (44th minute) of the third quarter from Michael Struthoff sealed victory for the Germans by a 1-0 margin as Spain missed the chance to lift their maiden title. The Redsticks were playing the final for the first time since their appearance in the inaugural edition’s summit clash in 1971.
Germany’s Road To Victory
Germany was in Group B alongside defending champions and co-hosts Belgium, France, and Malaysia. They topped the group with wins over Malaysia (5-1) and Belgium (1-0) before playing a 1-1 draw with France. Later in the second round, they lost to Spain 2-1 before sealing their place in the knockouts with a 4-2 win over Australia.