Netherlands Retain European Title with Commanding 27-12 Final Victory over Belgium
Zlín, 24 October 2026 – The Netherlands claimed their tenth consecutive European crown after a dominant 27-12 victory over Belgium in the final of the IKF European Korfball Championship 2026. The Dutch side controlled the contest in Zlín, pulling clear after a competitive opening period to finish the tournament in emphatic style.
The early stages were closely contested, with both teams trading goals and Belgium remaining within striking distance. As the match progressed, however, the Netherlands raised their intensity and efficiency. Wobbe Ran Faber led the Dutch scoring with six goals, while Brett Zuijdwengt and Fleur Hoek each contributed four. Alwin Out and captain Olav van Wijngaarden added three apiece. The Dutch attack was particularly effective from long range (11 goals) and medium distance (10 goals), reflecting their clinical finishing and superior court movement.
Belgium, coached by Kevin De Waele, showed resilience and moments of quality but were unable to match the Dutch tempo once the reigning champions accelerated. Substitutions in the latter stages brought fresh energy for both sides, yet the Netherlands maintained control through to the final whistle. Officials Steve Jones and Lukas Pazourek oversaw the contest, with Chris West and João Campilho as reserve referees.
The result extends the Netherlands’ remarkable dominance of the European Championship. Belgium finish as runners-up once again in this high-profile rivalry, securing silver medals after a strong campaign that included a convincing semi-final win over hosts Czechia.
Tournament Recap
Netherlands completed an outstanding tournament with the gold medal. Having topped their groups with perfect records and overwhelmed opponents in the knockout stage (including a 35-11 semi-final win over Germany), they confirmed their status as Europe’s leading force. With the IKF World Korfball Championship 2027 taking place in the Netherlands, the Dutch are already qualified as hosts and will enter the global event as reigning European and world champions.
Belgium secured silver and automatic qualification for the 2027 World Championship among the top ten European teams. The Belgians were consistent throughout the championship, defeating strong opposition including Germany and Czechia en route to the final. While they were unable to end the Dutch dominance on this occasion, their overall performance underlines their position as the closest challengers to the Netherlands in European korfball.
Both nations will now turn their attention to the World Championship, where the top ten finishers from this European Championship join the Netherlands (as hosts) and other continental qualifiers. The top ten positions at the IKF European Korfball Championship 2026 automatically secure places at the 2027 World Championship.
Photos by Gertrude de Vries.
