This article is part of the World Cup 2026 Experts’ Network, a collaborative effort among leading media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified. Previews from three countries are being published daily as the tournament approaches, set to kick off on June 11.
Team Strategy
Head coach Rudi Garcia recognizes that the strength of the Red Devils lies in their attacking prowess. With players like Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, and Romelu Lukaku, each brings a unique ability to impact the game. However, the defense has become a concern, particularly following the retirement of stalwarts such as Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, and Jan Vertonghen, leaving only goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as a standout. “That is why I will always choose four defenders and not five,” Garcia clarifies. “With five defenders I have to sacrifice an attacking player and that would be a shame.”
Garcia typically employs a medium block to bolster the offense and alleviate pressure on the defense. However, concerns arise regarding Lukaku’s fitness, as he has played a mere 64 minutes for Napoli this season and none for the national team due to injuries. He did make his return as a substitute in Tuesday’s 2-0 victory against Croatia, where he netted a goal in stoppage time. Moreover, the recent passing of his father has weighed heavily on him. Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, who has netted 90 goals, heads into the World Cup lacking match rhythm.
The qualification phase was relatively smooth, with victories over Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein. Although Belgium remained unbeaten, their performance was inconsistent, reflected in three draws—two against North Macedonia and one against Kazakhstan. The team scored 29 goals in eight matches, emphasizing their attacking capabilities. Expectations are high for Doku to shine on offense while Courtois aims to fortify the defense.
Since taking the helm in January 2025, Garcia has expressed his readiness for the challenge. “I am ready to take on the challenge. It will take time to learn, even though we don’t have much of it. It’s not about trying, it’s about doing, that’s my motto.” he stated at his introduction. “We must focus on the mindset. We must wear the jersey with pride, and give everything for the national team.” He emphasizes the importance of hard work and instilling a sense of pride in representing the national team.
Coaching Profile
Rudi Garcia embarks on his inaugural World Cup journey as a national coach, having taken over from Domenico Tedesco in January 2025. At 62, Garcia boasts a wealth of experience from his previous stints at clubs like Lille, Roma, Marseille, Lyon, Al Nassr, and Napoli. He adopts a traditional approach, shunning data-driven analysis, and has successfully fostered a positive atmosphere within the national team. “What matters to me is that there is a team on the field,” he asserts. “My experience shows that you get the furthest that way.”
Key Player
Jérémy Doku stands out as the most celebrated player in the squad. The 24-year-old Manchester City forward continues to make significant strides in his career. Initially relying on his remarkable speed, he has recently enhanced his crossing skills and scored pivotal goals during the final stages of the Premier League season. “I know my qualities and know that I have to work on my statistics,” he remarked. “But I’m not there yet.”
Emerging Talent
Matias Fernandez-Pardo was not initially part of Garcia’s plans until early May. The 21-year-old striker from Lille, who holds both Spanish and Belgian citizenship, had initially indicated a preference for Spain. However, due to uncertainties surrounding Lukaku’s fitness and Loïs Openda’s decline at Juventus, he reconsidered his decision. His speed, dribbling ability, and opportunistic play have secured him a spot in the World Cup squad. After leaving Gent as a winger in August 2024, Lille’s coach Bruno Génésio has transformed him into a striker, leading to an impressive tally of eight goals and five assists in 29 league matches during the 2025-26 season.
Unsung Contributor
Maxim De Cuyper, a 25-year-old left-back from Brighton, has proven invaluable to the Red Devils, contributing significantly to the attack. In the absence of Lukaku, he has emerged as a reliable goal scorer for the national team. Since Garcia’s appointment, De Cuyper has started every match when healthy and is expected to maintain that role throughout the World Cup, despite often being a substitute at Brighton.
Probable starting XI
Fan Expectations
Belgian fans are known for enjoying a good time, often indulging in drinks before entering the stadium. However, the linguistic diversity comprising Dutch, French, and some German spoken in Belgium complicates the coordination of chants, leading to fewer organized songs. As a compromise, fans typically sing in English when they do engage in song.
Relations with the US
As with many European nations, skepticism towards Donald Trump prevails, particularly regarding his communication style. His past remarks labeling Molenbeek, a suburb of Brussels, as a “hellhole” have not been well received. While the Belgian FA is likely to remain silent on the matter, fans have expressed concerns about inflated prices, though a boycott has not been discussed.
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