'We didn't play to the level that we can': Craig Fulton on India's disappointing Hockey World Cup campaign
(Courtesy : Hockey India)
India finished eighth in the 2026 edition after winning just two of their six matches
Coach Craig Fulton has made his thoughts clear on India’s run at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, which wrapped up on a bittersweet note after the team lost 3-4 in a shootout to co-hosts Belgium in the 7th-8th place classification match at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre.
The match itself had ended 3-3 after 60 minutes with India forcing extra time through a last-gasp equaliser but Belgium kept their composure when it counted and edged the shootout.
Related: Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026: India finish eighth after shootout loss to Belgium
Abhishek Nain got the Indian men’s hockey team off to a good start, poking the ball home in the sixth minute after Manpreet Singh set him up nicely. Belgium hit back before half-time with Roman Duvekot and Hugo Labouchere turning the game around.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh pulled India level early in the second half with one of his trademark penalty-corner strikes.
Belgium went ahead again in the final quarter through Nicolas de Kerpel, but Harmanpreet wasn’t finished, and he stepped up with just 26 seconds on the clock to slot home another penalty corner and force a shootout where Belgium eventually came out on top.
It wasn’t the ending India wanted, but head coach Craig Fulton still walked away with plenty of pride in how his players responded.
What India coach Craig Fulton said after the match
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Fulton didn’t hold back when talking about how difficult the first half had been for his team.
“We had a rough start. It was a game of two halves. Belgium was definitely better in the first half, but then we started to settle down,” he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
“We made some crucial saves, but then Manpreet Singh got injured, which was far from ideal. However, from that moment on, the boys showed incredible fight.”
He also had good things to say about how his side dug in against a strong Belgian team on their own turf.
“We are pleased with the result, it’s a draw, but we are extremely proud of the comeback. Belgium is a top-quality team playing on their home turf, and we managed to pull off a result after 60 minutes of hard-fought hockey.”
When asked what he told his defenders at half-time, Fulton kept it simple. “We don’t need to risk the ball into the middle, because we did that against Holland (Netherlands) and it didn’t help us. So, it was a little bit about game intelligence; just keep it to the sides.”
Craig Fulton on squad depth and the road ahead
In a separate chat with Hockey India, Fulton talked a bit more about how the team managed to finish things off and what lies ahead for the squad.
“I just think it was a strong finish. I think it was a game of two halves. I think the first half we were a little bit, we weren’t really connected, and we still scored against the run of play and then they had most of that second quarter and then second half was better, we had a bit more of a plan and a bit more control and we defended much better,” he said.
He also spoke about one particular tactical call he was happy with. “I think the nice thing is to actually take our keeper off four minutes to get a PC score, put the keeper back on and then finish out with a point.”
When asked what needs to change to get the team back to the level of past sides that won Olympic medals and major tournaments, Fulton didn’t try to make excuses.
“No excuses; we have eight debutantes in their first World Cup. So, playing in a World Cup, yeah, it’s not easy. And we have experienced players, but we also have to make sure our key players, and our experienced players are also playing their level,” he said
He was honest in admitting the team hadn’t played up to its true potential throughout the tournament.
“Everyone knows we didn’t play to the level that we can, and that was disappointing, but we finished strong today, and we look forward to the Asian Games because that’s another big objective for 2026.”
The 2026 Asian Games will take place from September 18 to October 3 in Nagoya, Japan. India has been slotted into Group A, which also includes Japan, Korea, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
What position did India finish at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026?
India finished eighth in the World Cup, with just two wins from six matches.
What next for the Indian men’s hockey team?
They will be next seen in the Asian Games from September 18 to October 3.
What did coach Craig Fulton say on India’s performance at the Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026?
“I just think it was a strong finish. I think it was a game of two halves. I think the first half we were a little bit, we weren’t really connected, and we still scored against the run of play and then they had most of that second quarter and then second half was better, we had a bit more of a plan and a bit more control and we defended much better. No excuses; we have eight debutantes in their first World Cup. So, playing in a World Cup, yeah, it’s not easy. And we have experienced players, but we also have to make sure our key players, and our experienced players are also playing their level. Everyone knows we didn’t play to the level that we can, and that was disappointing, but we finished strong today, and we look forward to the Asian Games because that’s another big objective for 2026.”
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Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has expertise across a wide range of Olympic sports. While his coverage spans the Olympic spectrum, he is passionate about Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field. Beyond his primary focus areas, Ajay is also an avid kabaddi enthusiast and closely follows the sport.