Belgium
Odds to win: 25/1
Overview
Belgium arrive at the 2026 World Cup at a crossroads, as the golden generation that took them to the top of the FIFA rankings and a World Cup semifinal in 2018 is coming to an end. The retirements of Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois from international duty, along with the aging of other key figures, have forced Belgium into a rebuilding phase. Under Domenico Tedesco, the Red Devils are attempting to blend remaining experienced players with a promising but less proven younger generation. Kevin De Bruyne, when fit, remains one of the most creative midfielders in world football, and his ability to dictate games from deep positions is a unique asset. Romelu Lukaku continues to provide a focal point in attack with his physical presence and goal-scoring record, though questions about his consistency in big games persist. The new generation is headlined by Jeremy Doku, whose explosive dribbling at Manchester City has made him one of the most exciting wingers in the Premier League, and Amadou Onana, who provides power and dynamism in midfield at Aston Villa. Lois Openda has established himself as a prolific striker at RB Leipzig. Belgium's group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup and disappointing round-of-16 elimination at Euro 2024 have tempered expectations considerably. The depth that once made Belgium one of the most feared teams in world football has diminished, and the challenge now is whether the new wave of talent can restore Belgium to genuine contender status or whether 2018 represented the peak of this era.
Key Players
Kevin De Bruyne
Midfielder · Napoli
Romelu Lukaku
Forward · Napoli
Jeremy Doku
Forward · Manchester City
Amadou Onana
Midfielder · Aston Villa
Lois Openda
Forward · Juventus
World Cup History
Belgium's best World Cup result was a semifinal appearance in 2018 in Russia, where they finished third after losing to France. They also reached the semifinals in 1986 in Mexico. Belgium qualified for 14 World Cup tournaments in total. Their golden generation, featuring Hazard, De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Courtois, was widely regarded as the best in Belgian football history but ultimately failed to deliver a major trophy.
Group G Opponents
Fun Fact
Belgium spent over four years ranked number one in the FIFA World Rankings from 2018 to 2022, the longest continuous reign at the top for any European nation.
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