Spain edged the hosts Netherlands out in the thrilling first Semifinal of the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after José Basterra recorded a late hat-trick. With this 4-3 victory, Spain are one win away from creating history by winning their first hockey World Cup title.
Three-time champions the Netherlands got a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute after Koen Bijen scored a field goal. Spain then scored four goals to take a strong 4-1 lead. José Basterra recorded a hat-trick (41’, 50’, and 55’), while Pepe Cunill netted once in the 51st minute, just after Basterra completed his brace. While Cunil converted from a penalty corner, Basterra scored two field goals before completing his hat-trick from a penalty stroke.
The Netherlands mounted a desperate late fightback, as Jip Janssen (57’) and Joep de Mol (59’) each successfully converted a penalty corner, but it was too late for them to secure a stunning Semifinal win.
Two-time runners-up Spain have qualified for the World Cup Final for the first time in the 21st century. Redsticks are now eyeing their historic first hockey World Cup title by first time winning its Final.
Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 (1st Semi-Final): Spain Post-Match Status
After 1971 and 1998, Spain have qualified for the World Cup Final for the third time.
In the 1971 and 1998 editions, Spain finished as runners-up.
Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 (1st Semi-Final): Netherlands Post-Match Status
Three-time champions (1973, 1990, and 1998) and seven-time finalists (1973, 1978, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2014, and 2018), the Netherlands lost consecutive World Cup Semifinals, as they had previously lost in the 2022 edition.
The Netherlands lost the fifth World Cup Semifinal (1982, 2002, 2010, 2022, and 2026).
