Wavre, Aug. 28 -- India finished eighth at the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 after losing to co-hosts Belgium 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw in regulation time in the 7th/8th place clash at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre on Friday.

The classification match saw both teams play attacking hockey as they looked to end their World Cup campaigns on a positive note after missing out on the medal rounds. India made a bright start and took the lead in the opening quarter through Abhishek Nain, who produced a fine strike to put the visitors ahead.

Belgium responded strongly, using the support of the home crowd to put pressure on India's defence. Roman Duvekot and Hugo Labouchere then found the net to help the hosts turn the g...