India finished eighth at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after Belgium edged them 4-3 in a shootout following a 3-3 draw in the 7th-8th place playoff in Wavre on Friday.
Abhishek gave India an early lead before Belgium struck twice through Roman Duvekot and Hugo Labouchere to lead 2-1 at half-time. Harmanpreet Singh equalised with a penalty-corner drag-flick after the break, but Nicolas de Kerpel restored Belgium’s advantage in the final quarter. India earned a penalty corner with just 26 seconds remaining, and Harmanpreet converted to force a shootout.
Belgium goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch denied Harmanpreet and Sukhjeet Singh, while Abhishek scored for India. Harmanpreet finished the tournament with eight goals, joint-top of the scoring charts.