Belgium's 2026 World Cup Squad: A New Era Beckons

As one of the tournament's dark horses, Belgium will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a squad that mixes seasoned campaigners with emerging talent. The Red Devils, who have participated in 13 World Cups, missed only the tournaments between 1958 and 1966, as well as the 1974, 1978, 2006, and 2010 editions, and did not enter the 1950 competition. Their best finish came in 2018, when a Kevin De Bruyne-inspired side reached the semi-finals and eventually finished third by beating England in the third-place play-off.

Goalkeeping Depth

Belgium boasts one of the world's best goalkeepers in Thibaut Courtois. The Real Madrid shot-stopper, with over 100 caps, won the Golden Glove at the 2018 World Cup after a string of exceptional performances. He is supported by Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels and Manchester United's Senne Lammens, who has developed into a standout Premier League stopper since his arrival at Old Trafford. RB Leipzig's Maarten Vandevoordt hopes to challenge Sels or Lammens, though dislodging Courtois seems unlikely. A potential wildcard is Mike Penders, on loan at Strasbourg from Chelsea.

Defensive Transition

Belgium's defense has undergone a changing of the guard, with veterans Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld retiring. Experienced options like Thomas Meunier and Timothy Castagne, who have played at previous tournaments, remain. They could be joined by younger players such as 23-year-old Koni De Winter and 22-year-old Zeno Debast. AS Monaco's Wout Faes is another interesting option for consideration.

Midfield Maestros

Belgium's midfield is remarkably talented. Alongside Youri Tielemans and Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne remains one of the planet's best midfield players, even at 34. This could be his final tournament before retiring. The squad also features 17-year-old wonderkid Nathan De Cat, who has yet to earn his first cap but is an incredible talent who could make his mark on the biggest stage. Experienced options like Hans Vanaken provide additional support.

Attacking Firepower

Belgium is blessed with incredible attacking options. They have the intensely physical and prolific striker Romelu Lukaku, alongside flair on the flanks from Manchester City's Jeremy Doku and Arsenal's Leandro Trossard. However, a question mark hangs over Lukaku as he battles a hamstring injury. The backup brigade includes experienced goal-getters Lois Openda and Michy Batshuayi, while Charles De Ketelaere and Alexis Saelemaekers can both unlock defenses and score themselves.

Star Players and Predicted XI

Kevin De Bruyne, one of world football's best, aims to leave a lasting impression before retiring, while Romelu Lukaku is an elite striker who can score in any circumstance. In goal, Thibaut Courtois is almost certain to start. While there may not be a standout defender, the dazzling dribbling of Doku and Trossard is expected to compensate.

The predicted starting XI for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup is a 4-3-3 formation: Courtois in goal; Meunier, Mechele, Theate, and Castagne in defense; Tielemans, De Bruyne, and Witsel in midfield; and Trossard, Lukaku, and Doku in attack.