Zlín, 22 October 2026
Belgium produced a commanding performance to defeat hosts Czechia 26-14 in the cross-final of the IKF European Korfball Championship 2026, booking their place in Saturday’s final in Zlín. Czechia will now contest the bronze-medal match.
The Belgians controlled large stretches of the contest through sharp ball movement, high-tempo attacking combinations and clinical finishing. Lise Van Maldeghem led the scoring with five goals, while Joke Van Maldeghem, Lisa Pauwels and Wout Van Elsackers each contributed four. Belgium’s ability to convert both running-in opportunities and medium-range shots proved decisive, as they steadily pulled away after a competitive opening period.
Czechia, playing in front of a passionate home crowd, showed determination and created several scoring chances of their own. Nela Kubu finished with three goals, and the hosts remained competitive into the later stages, but they were unable to match Belgium’s consistency and efficiency across the full 40 minutes. A number of missed penalties also limited Czechia’s ability to close the gap.
With the result, Belgium advance to face the winner of the Netherlands–Germany semi-final in the championship final. Czechia will meet the loser of that match in the bronze-medal game. Both sides have already secured qualification for the IKF World Korfball Championship 2027, so the remaining matches are purely about final ranking and the chance to end the European Championship on the highest possible note.
Belgium will enter the final full of confidence after another strong display. For Czechia, the bronze-medal match offers a clear target and the opportunity to finish the tournament with a medal in front of their own supporters. Saturday’s programme in Zlín will decide the final standings of one of the most competitive European Championships in recent years.
