The Red Devils return to the World Cup looking to revive the magic of their golden generation and erase the disappointment of Qatar 2022
Belgium
FIFA World Cup 2026 Team Profile
Belgium will compete at the FIFA World Cup 2026 aiming to bring the Red Devils back among the elite of international soccer. After the frustration of an early exit at Qatar 2022, the European side arrives in North America determined to relaunch a new cycle under head coach Rudi Garcia.
This will be Belgium’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and the 15th in the nation’s history. With experienced stars still leading the squad and a new generation emerging, the Red Devils hope to recreate the unforgettable run that led them to third place in Russia 2018.
Belgium at the FIFA World Cup
- Confederation: UEFA
- First appearance: Uruguay 1930
- World Cup appearances: 15
- Best result: Third Place (2018)
- Last appearance: Qatar 2022
- Head coach: Rudi Garcia
- Nickname: The Red Devils
Head Coach: Rudi Garcia
Appointed in January 2025, French manager Rudi Garcia replaced Domenico Tedesco with the mission of rebuilding stability and competitiveness inside the Belgian national team.
Garcia’s tenure began dramatically in the UEFA Nations League play-off against Ukraine. After losing the first leg 3-1, Belgium responded with a dominant 3-0 victory in Genk powered by a Romelu Lukaku brace.
Known for leading Lille to a historic Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double in 2011, Garcia brings decades of club experience from Marseille, Roma, Lyon and Napoli into international soccer for the first time.
Road to World Cup 2026
Belgium finished top of UEFA Group J, securing qualification on the final matchday with an emphatic 7-0 victory over Liechtenstein.
| Record | Wins | Losses | Qualification Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Matches | 5 | 3 | 1st Place |
World Cup History
Belgium was one of the nations that participated in the very first FIFA World Cup in 1930. Over the decades, the Red Devils established themselves as one of Europe’s most respected national teams.
The nation’s greatest achievement came at Russia 2018, when Belgium defeated Brazil in the quarter-finals before eventually finishing third — the best World Cup result in Belgian history.
The Golden Generation
Belgium’s modern identity has been shaped by one of the most talented generations in European soccer history. Players like Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois elevated the national team to global contender status throughout the 2010s.
Although many veterans are entering the final stages of their international careers, Belgium still possesses elite talent capable of competing with the world’s best teams.
World Cup Records
Romelu Lukaku and Marc Wilmots share the record as Belgium’s top World Cup scorers with five goals each.
Legendary playmaker Enzo Scifo remains Belgium’s all-time World Cup appearance leader with 17 matches across four tournaments.
Memorable World Cup Moments
Belgium’s legendary comeback against Japan at Russia 2018 remains one of the greatest knockout matches in World Cup history. Down 2-0 after an hour, the Red Devils completed a stunning 3-2 comeback with a dramatic winning goal in stoppage time.
Their 2-1 victory over Brazil in the quarter-finals later confirmed Belgium as genuine world-class contenders.
2026 Outlook
Belgium enters World Cup 2026 balancing experience and transition. The challenge for Rudi Garcia will be blending established stars with emerging talent while restoring the confidence lost after Qatar 2022.
If the Red Devils rediscover the intensity and attacking quality that defined their golden years, they could once again become one of the tournament’s most dangerous European sides.
Star Player to Watch: Kevin De Bruyne
Even entering the later stages of his career, Kevin De Bruyne remains the creative heartbeat of Belgium. His vision, passing range and leadership will be crucial if the Red Devils want to make another deep World Cup run.
BELGIUM
Goalkeepers
- #1 Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Spain)
- #12 Senne Lammens (Manchester United, England)
- #13 Mike Penders (RC Strasbourg, France)
Defenders
- #2 Zeno Debast (Sporting CP, Portugal)
- #3 Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany)
- #4 Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge, Belgium)
- #5 Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
- #15 Thomas Meunier (Lille, France)
- #16 Koni De Winter (AC Milan, Italy)
- #18 Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge, Belgium)
- #21 Timothy Castagne (Fulham, England)
- #25 Nathan Ngoy (Lille, France)
Midfielders
- #6 Axel Witsel (Girona, Spain)
- #7 Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli, Italy)
- #8 Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa, England)
- #20 Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge, Belgium)
- #23 Nicolas Raskin (Rangers, Scotland)
- #24 Amadou Onana (Aston Villa, England)
Forwards
- #9 Romelu Lukaku (Napoli, Italy)
- #10 Leandro Trossard (Arsenal, England)
- #11 Jérémy Doku (Manchester City, England)
- #14 Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica, Portugal)
- #17 Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta, Italy)
- #19 Diego Moreira (RC Strasbourg, France)
- #22 Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan, Italy)
- #26 Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille, France)
Head Coach
- Rudi Garcia (France)
