Friday, August 21 – Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Men’s Hockey team return to winning ways at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, securing a 7-4 win over Malaysia in their first of two Pool H matches. Ireland were quick out of the blocks scoring four unanswered goals in less than twenty five minutes, Jonny Lynch grabbing a hattrick and Matthew Nelson getting on the scoresheet. Malaysia pulled a goal back before half-time, with a hectic third quarter following that saw both sides score twice. Ireland regained control in the final quarter, adding their seventh, but Malaysia were the last to find the net, scoring a consolation to see the match end 7-4.
Having just come up short against Spain less than 24 hours before, Ireland looked determined to return to winning form in Wavre as they took on Malaysia in their first of two Pool H matches. It took the side less than ten minutes to open the scoring, Jonny Lynch firing in a reverse stick shot at the near post, before the Lisnagarvey man added a second touching in a Jeremy Duncan delivery at the back post.
Ireland continued to cruise, Louis Rowe driving through the centre of the pitch and beating two before finding Matthew Nelson who fired into the net. Lynch completed his hattrick mere minutes later to give ireland a commanding 4-0 lead.
Malaysia clawed a goal back just before half-time, a moment that seemed to be the catalyst for a chaotic quarter 3.
Malaysia grabbed a second early in the second half to make it a two score game, but Ireland cancelled it out when Johnny McKee touched in a penalty corner variation. The sides traded blows in the minutes that followed, Ireland’s Matthew Nelson finishing off an exquisite attacking move, before Malaysia bundled in their third, once again from a penalty corner.
Ireland’s Ben Walker got in on the act striking low and hard into the net after an Irish penalty corner broke down, but it was Malaysia who got the last of the goals, bundling in a fourth after a good Jaime Carr save.
Speaking after the match, Player of the Match Jonny Lynch said:
“The most important thing today was to get the win. After a disappointing loss yesterday where we gave a lot, it was impressive to see the team bounce back and get the win.”
Discussing the second half, Lynch said:
“Malaysia are a good outfit; they are physical, fast and they like to counter-attack. I think there are a few things we need to tighten up, but overall I am proud of the guys; some lovely goals going forward and some lovely connections up top.”
Ireland will take on France in their second of two Pool H matches on Sunday, August 23 as they look to secure top spot and a place in the 9th/10th place play-off match, guaranteeing a best ever World Cup finish for the team.
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