Belgium

Belgium will make their 15th FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026, arriving at a tournament that likely marks the end of their golden generation. The Red Devils' most successful era produced a third-place finish at Russia 2018 — their best-ever World Cup result — built on the extraordinary talents of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois. Belgium reached the quarterfinals in 2014, losing to eventual finalists Argentina, and the semifinals in 2018, defeating Brazil in a memorable quarterfinal before falling to France. However, the Qatar 2022 campaign ended in group-stage disappointment, signaling the decline of the golden generation. The 2026 tournament represents a transitional moment — the last dance for the veterans of 2018, but also the arrival of a new wave of Belgian talent. Belgium's consistent presence at major tournaments over the past decade has transformed expectations, and the pressure to finally deliver a trophy — even with an aging core — remains intense. The Red Devils' football identity, built on technical quality and tactical flexibility, remains intact, but the squad that takes the field in 2026 will look very different from the one that thrilled the world in Russia.

Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City remains Belgium's creative genius and one of the finest midfielders of his generation. Even as he enters his mid-thirties, his passing range, vision, and ability to deliver in crucial moments remain world-class — when De Bruyne plays well, Belgium plays well. Romelu Lukaku, now at Napoli after spells at Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Roma, continues as Belgium's all-time leading goalscorer and attacking focal point, bringing physical dominance and a proven international goalscoring record. Jérémy Doku of Manchester City represents Belgium's exciting future — an electric winger whose dribbling ability can destroy defenses single-handedly. Loïs Openda of RB Leipzig has emerged as a dynamic forward with pace and clinical finishing. Amadou Onana of Aston Villa provides midfield physicality and ball-winning. Zeno Debast, now at Sporting CP, represents the next generation of Belgian defenders. Goalkeeper Koen Casteels has stepped into the role vacated by Courtois. This squad is in transition — the veterans carry the memories of 2018, while the youngsters carry the hope of writing their own chapter.

Belgium enters 2026 as a team in transition — no longer among the absolute favorites but still possessing enough quality to trouble any opponent. The golden generation's final tournament carries emotional weight, and how the veterans perform will largely determine Belgium's ceiling. The Red Devils should navigate the group stage without significant difficulty. The Round of 16 is the minimum expectation, with a quarterfinal berth representing a successful tournament. The expanded format should not fundamentally alter Belgium's path — they will be a Pot 1 or Pot 2 team. The key question is whether the aging core — De Bruyne, Lukaku — can still produce at the elite level required, and whether the emerging talents can integrate quickly enough to fill the gaps left by Hazard and others. Belgium's traditional strengths — technical quality in possession and creativity in the final third — remain, but defensive vulnerabilities have plagued recent campaigns. If the old guard finds one last burst of brilliance and the new generation steps up, Belgium could surprise many. If not, 2026 may be remembered as the quiet end of an era that promised so much.