For a decade, Belgium were the team that never won when it counted. The Golden Generation is officially over — Eden Hazard retired, Kompany manages. But De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Courtois remain for one last charge under Rudi Garcia.
The Golden Generation's Long Wait
Belgium entered the 2010s with arguably the most talented squad in their history: De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku, Kompany, Courtois, Dembélé, Mertens. They reached a World Cup semifinal in 2014 (lost to Argentina), won 3rd place in 2018 (beat England), and were ranked #1 in the world for years.
Yet a World Cup final remained out of reach. They lost to France in the 2018 semifinal, fell to Italy at Euro 2020, and embarrassingly crashed out of the 2022 group stage. Eden Hazard has since retired from international football.
Rudi Garcia has been tasked with managing the final chapter. De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Courtois remain, alongside a new generation: Loïs Openda and Jérémy Doku.
Key Players for 2026
| Player | Position | Role & Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin De Bruyne | Attacking Mid | Still one of the best players in the Premier League when fit — passing, vision, and goals at the highest level |
| Romelu Lukaku | Striker | Belgium's all-time top scorer; powerful, intelligent, and dangerous in the final third when fully motivated |
| Jérémy Doku | Left Winger | Man City's explosive wide player; replaced Hazard's role with more pace and directness |
| Loïs Openda | Forward | RB Leipzig's prolific striker; energetic pressing and consistent goals — Belgium's future #9 |
| Thibaut Courtois | Goalkeeper | One of the world's best keepers when fit — his recovery from ACL injury gives Belgium enormous confidence |
The 2026 Challenge
Belgium are in Group G with Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand — a group they should win comfortably. But knockout football is where Belgium's mentality has been questioned before.
Rudi Garcia has shown he can organize a team tactically. If De Bruyne stays fit for a full tournament and Courtois is back to his Real Madrid best, Belgium can go deep. This is likely the last World Cup for several of these legends.
Follow Belgium's 2026 World Cup campaign with full squad updates, tactical analysis, and match previews. ⚽
Frequently Asked Questions
Belgium is in Group G alongside Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand.
Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois lead Belgium's squad. Jérémy Doku and Loïs Openda represent the next generation.
No, Belgium's best result was 3rd place in 2018. They were ranked #1 in the world for years without winning a major tournament.
Rudi Garcia takes charge, managing what may be the final World Cup for several of Belgium's legendary players.