The Red Panthers of Belgium, eliminated in the semifinals by the Netherlands amid referee complaints, celebrated with Argentine flags the crowning of Las Leonas in the 2026 Hockey World Cup
In a gesture that combined sports, solidarity, and a clear symbolic "revenge," the players of the Belgian women's hockey team, known as the Red Panthers, took to the field with Argentine flags to celebrate the world title achieved by Las Leonas.
The moment, captured on video and widely disseminated, occurred after Argentina defeated the Netherlands in the final of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, held in Amstelveen.
The Red Panthers had been eliminated in the semifinals against the local Dutch team. The match was marked by strong complaints from the Belgian side regarding the officiating, which caused discomfort within the team. Hours later, when Las Leonas were crowned champions — after drawing 1-1 in regulation time and winning 3-1 in the shoot-outs — the Belgians did not hesitate to join the Argentine celebration.
In the images, the Belgian players are seen wrapped in the light blue and white flag, hugging each other and some Argentinians, raising their arms and celebrating with euphoria. The video shows a camaraderie atmosphere in the Wagener stadium, with the Dutch crowd in the background and the RTL Sports broadcast. The gesture was immediately interpreted as an act of fair play and, at the same time, as a form of symbolic "revenge" against the rival that had eliminated them.
The context of the Argentine title
Las Leonas won their third women's field hockey World Cup (after Perth 2002 and Rosario 2010), all achieved against the Netherlands. In this edition, the team led by Fernando Ferrara drew 1-1 in the final (goal by María José Granatto that equalized Yibbi Jansen's goal) and prevailed in the penalty shootout, with a standout performance by goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino and the decisive shot by Sofía Cairó. Argentina finished the tournament unbeaten.
Belgium, for its part, secured the bronze medal by defeating Australia 1-0 in the third-place match. The 0-0 draw that the Red Panthers achieved against Las Leonas in the group stage had already left a good impression between both teams.
