Belgium didn’t have a proper hockey stadium; now they are hosting a World Cup

For decades, Belgian hockey struggled to gain recognition and infrastructure to support elite play. The national team qualified for the Olympics and World Cups but rarely competed at the highest level. In 2009, Belgian players and supporters launched an online petition to improve coverage from Flemish public broadcaster VRT, as the sport remained largely unknown outside of clubs and communities.

By 2012, hockey's membership had doubled to 30,000, but the sport still lacked the cultural foothold of neighbors like the Netherlands. Players like Arthur Van Doren, two-time FIH World Player of the Year, recalled growing up feeling distant from the national team, as hockey was not a part of their everyday lives. Despite the passion for the sport, it faced skepticism from those who viewed hockey as less established and valued compared to other sports.

The tide changed with results. Belgium finished fifth at the 2014 World Cup, won silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics, claimed the World Cup title in 2018, and became Olympic champions in 2020. Yet, the country still lacked a proper hockey stadium. In Wavre, the old Justin Peeters Stadium was transformed into the Belfius Hockey Arena, featuring two pitches and a permanent capacity of 4,000 for the World Cup.

Temporary stands will increase the capacity to 10,000. The new arena represents the convergence of hard work and improved infrastructure. Old players were awestruck by the new facility and the prospect of hosting a World Cup at home. This development provides a platform for Belgium to showcase the sport to a broader audience, including those unfamiliar with hockey, and capitalize on the expected positive media coverage.