World Cup 2026

Belgium

Belgium's Last Roar: A Golden Generation's Final Shot at Glory

Alive in the Round of 16FIFA #9Group G — Egypt · Iran · New ZealandNext match — Tue, Jul 7 vs USA

FutAve take

The Story

Ranked ninth in the world and bristling with Premier League and Champions League talent, Belgium arrive at the 2026 World Cup knowing this golden window is closing. With De Bruyne orchestrating from midfield and Lukaku hunting records up front, Group G looks navigable — but navigable is not the same as easy.

How they qualified

Belgium topped their UEFA qualifying group to secure a 15th World Cup appearance, doing so with the kind of assured, attack-minded football that made neutral fans take notice. The campaign was not without its complications — stubborn draws reminded everyone that pedigree means nothing on a bad night — but finishing first left no doubt about who led the way.

Why watch

If you want goals, pressing intensity, and the bittersweet theatre of a great generation chasing the one trophy that has always eluded them, Belgium are must-watch. De Bruyne running the show, Doku terrorising full-backs, and Trossard threading passes from wide — this is a team built to entertain before it is built to grind.

Squad spotlight

Players to Know

The Star

Kevin De Bruyne

Napoli

Kevin De Bruyne is Belgium's heartbeat — a Napoli midfielder who bends games to his will through vision, range of passing, and ruthless dead-ball delivery.

Why they matter

De Bruyne was the standout performer in qualifying and remains the single player most capable of unlocking a deep defensive block. In Group G, where Iran will look to suffocate space, his ability to find pockets and switch the play could be the difference between early elimination and a deep run.

Watch for

Watch how he manipulates defensive lines with late runs into the area and how his first touch under pressure keeps Belgium ticking even when opponents press high. His set-piece delivery is a weapon every team in Group G will have nightmares about.

The X-Factor

Jérémy Doku

Manchester City

Jérémy Doku is a Manchester City left winger whose dribbling speed and unpredictability make him one of the most exciting wide players heading into the tournament.

Why they matter

When Belgium need to break a team down and need it done quickly, Doku is the ignition switch. Against compact opponents like Iran or an Egypt side sitting deep, his ability to beat a full-back in one movement and pull defenders out of shape is invaluable.

Watch for

Track his one-on-one count per game — few players in international football attempt and win as many duels in wide areas. The moment he receives the ball in space against a retreating full-back is when you lean forward in your seat.

The Veteran

Romelu Lukaku

Napoli

Romelu Lukaku, Belgium's all-time World Cup top scorer, brings physicality, hold-up play, and a relentless hunger for goals to his Napoli striker role.

Why they matter

Lukaku's record for Belgium in the World Cup is unmatched in his nation's history, and in a group where clean sheet opportunities are real, his aerial threat and ability to bring others into play provide a reference point no defender in Group G will relish dealing with.

Watch for

Watch his link-up play with De Bruyne in tight spaces — the two have built a near-telepathic understanding over years of international football. Also note how he drags centre-backs wide to create lanes for runners like Doku and Trossard.

The Glue Guy

Leandro Trossard

Arsenal

Leandro Trossard is Arsenal's versatile left winger — a relentless presser and creative outlet who makes Belgium significantly harder to play against.

Why they matter

Trossard connects the midfield to the attack with intelligence rather than flash. His movement off the ball stretches defences and his pressing triggers turnovers in dangerous areas — exactly the profile a 4-2-3-1 system needs from its wide players.

Watch for

Watch his off-ball runs when Belgium are in possession — he is constantly pulling defenders into no-man's land to open corridors for De Bruyne's late arrivals. His pressing triggers are also worth tracking: he is often where Belgian transitions begin.

The Breakout Candidate

Maxim De Cuyper

Brighton & Hove Albion

Maxim De Cuyper is a Brighton left back whose attacking instincts and composure in possession signal he could be the surprise name of Belgium's World Cup.

Why they matter

In a Belgium side built on attacking width, the left back is no passenger. De Cuyper's willingness to carry the ball forward and combine with Doku and Trossard gives Belgium an extra dimension down the left flank that opponents may not have fully prepared for.

Watch for

Watch how far he pushes up when Belgium have the ball — he functions almost as a third wide option. His crossing under pressure and ability to recover defensively at World Cup pace will tell you everything about whether he belongs on this stage.

FutAve layer