Germany successfully defended their FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup title after beating Spain 1-0 in the 2026 final on Sunday, securing back-to-back championships.
The victory took Germany’s tally to four World Cup titles, moving them level with Pakistan at the top of the tournament’s all-time winners list. Pakistan, however, have not lifted the trophy since 1994, when they defeated the Netherlands in the final.
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Germany’s latest triumph comes after their dramatic 2023 World Cup victory, when they beat Belgium 5-4 on penalties to claim their third title. Their previous championships came in 2002 and 2006, both against Australia.
The 2026 final was decided by a solitary goal as Germany edged Spain 1-0 to continue their impressive run on the biggest stage of international hockey.
Full list of FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup winners
| Year | Winner | Final result |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Pakistan | Beat Spain 1-0 |
| 1973 | Netherlands | Beat India 4-2 on penalties |
| 1975 | India | Beat Pakistan 2-1 |
| 1978 | Pakistan | Beat Netherlands 3-2 |
| 1982 | Pakistan | Beat West Germany 3-1 |
| 1986 | Australia | Beat England 2-1 |
| 1990 | Netherlands | Beat Pakistan 3-1 |
| 1994 | Pakistan | Beat Netherlands 4-3 on penalties |
| 1998 | Netherlands | Beat Spain 3-2 |
| 2002 | Germany | Beat Australia 2-1 |
| 2006 | Germany | Beat Australia 4-3 |
| 2010 | Australia | Beat Germany 2-1 |
| 2014 | Australia | Beat Netherlands 6-1 |
| 2018 | Belgium | Beat Netherlands 3-2 on penalties |
| 2023 | Germany | Beat Belgium 5-4 on penalties |
| 2026 | Germany | Beat Spain 1-0 |
Pakistan dominated the early years of the competition, winning the inaugural World Cup in 1971 before adding titles in 1978, 1982 and 1994. Their four championships had stood as the tournament record until Germany matched the mark with their 2026 triumph.
The Netherlands are next on the list with three titles, having won in 1973, 1990 and 1998. Australia have also won the tournament three times, in 1986, 2010 and 2014.
Germany’s four titles now place them alongside Pakistan, while India remain two-time champions, having won the 1975 edition and the inaugural World Cup in the modern era of the competition.
Belgium, meanwhile, have one title, secured in 2018 after defeating the Netherlands on penalties.
Germany’s latest success also extends their remarkable consistency in recent editions. After winning in 2002 and 2006, they returned to the summit in 2023 and successfully defended their crown three years later.
With four titles now in their cabinet, Germany have firmly established themselves among the greatest teams in Men’s Hockey World Cup history.
