Belgium vs France Preview & Prediction | 2026 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup | First Round
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Co-hosts Belgium conclude Saturday’s action with an all-European showdown against France.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – not televised / USA – USA’s matches will be televised live on CBS
How to watch online: UK – British home nation matches can be streamed live for free on Channel 4 Sport YouTube, while all matches can be streamed live on FIH Watch.Hockey / USA – USA’s matches can be streamed live on CBS digital platforms, while all matches can be streamed live on FIH Watch.Hockey
Belgium vs France prediction
The 2018 champions Belgium head into the 2026 edition number one in the world following their FIH Pro League triumph and with home advantage, have every right to believe that they can end the World Cup top of the podium. However, they’ve been placed in tough pool which includes another big fish in Germany, so it’s imperative they beat the lower hanging fruit in Pool B.
France are one of the lowest ranked European nations at the World Cup, with only Ireland and Wales below them as it stands. They competed well in the first round back in 2023 and certainly won’t be easy to break down. Class should tell in the end though and Belgium are well worth backing to beat Les Bleus.
Belgium vs France tip: Belgium to win
