In a preseason friendly played on July 19, 2026, Royal Antwerp secured a convincing 2–0 victory over Belgian lower‑division side Kermt Hasselt. The match, held as part of international club friendly preparations, gave Antwerp’s squad valuable minutes ahead of the upcoming competitive season.

Match Overview

Royal Antwerp, a top‑flight Jupiler Pro League club, controlled the tempo from the opening whistle. Their superior structure and technical quality proved too much for Kermt Hasselt, who battled hard but rarely threatened the Antwerp goal. The first half saw Antwerp dominate possession and create several clear‑cut chances, with the deadlock broken just before the interval when a well‑worked set piece ended with a close‑range finish.

Second Half Dominance

After the break, Antwerp continued to press forward and doubled their lead with a clinical counter‑attack. The defensive organization of Kermt Hasselt held firm for long stretches, but the gap in class was evident. Antwerp’s coaching staff used the game to rotate several players, giving fringe squad members a chance to impress. The clean sheet will also be a positive takeaway for the Antwerp defense.

What It Means

For Kermt Hasselt, the friendly provided a stern test against a professional opponent, offering lessons in intensity and game management. Royal Antwerp will move into their next preseason fixture with momentum, having shown efficiency in front of goal and solidity at the back.