Belgium made an improbable run to a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but fell short the next go around, being eliminated in the group stage in 2022. Belgium will be led by Kevin De Bruyne in their quest for their first World Cup title. De Bruyne has been called the best footballing mind in the world by stars such as Thierry Henry.
Now, the team is sitting tied for tenth in odds to win the World Cup, according to DraftKings. If they are going to make a run in 2026 as a slight longshot, De Bruyne is going to lead the way, along with a few other key players.
Kevin De Bruyne, Attacking Midfielder, Napoli (Italy)
Kevin De Bruyne is one of the most capped players in Belgian history. His 118 appearances with the national team are sixth all-time and one of just eight players with over 100 caps for the squad. He made his senior debut at the international level in 2010 but did not become a regular fixture for the Red Devils until qualification for the 2014 World Cup. He immediately made an impact. In qualifying, he scored four goals and then had an assist in the first game of the group stage that year, being named man of the match against Algeria. Belgium would make a run to the quarterfinals that year before being eliminated by Argentina.
He was also instrumental in the 2018 World Cup as Belgium had their best finish ever, finishing third. He finished the event with a goal and two assists. Still, he struggled at the 2022 World Cup, going without a point as Belgium struggled to find offensive form.
De Bruyne is now the captain of this team and will be tasked with making sure Belgium has a more inspiring performance. That is something he has done throughout his club career, with stops in the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A. At the club level, he has won the EPL and Bundesliga, while also winning one Champions League. This is a player who has finished third for the Ballon d’Or and been named a player of the year in multiple competitions.
In his fourth World Cup, this is his team. He will set the tempo of the attack for Belgium while looking to open up space for the strikers. If he can set a proper tone, Belgium should make a solid run in the knockout stage. If not, it could be a second straight disappointing appearance for the country.
Thibaut Courtois, Goalkeeper, Real Madrid (Spain)
In the net, the Red Devils will rely on Thibaut Courtois. The Real Madrid goalkeeper has put together a dominant career. With Real Madrid, he has been the final line of defense for three teams that have won La Liga, while also winning a Copa Del Ray and two Champions Leagues. He also spent time with Atlético Madrid and Chelsea before his time with Real Madrid.
Still, the highlight of Courtois’ international career came in 2018. He has been the goalkeeper for Belgium in each of the last three World Cups, but won the 2018 Golden Glove. That year, he had 27 saves while keeping three clean sheets in seven matches. He also conceded just six goals.
Courtois also kept Belgium in contention in 2022. He held two clean sheets in the group stage, but Belgium came away with just one goal in the group stage, being eliminated early. Injuries and personal strife with former Belgium manager Domineco Tedesco kept him out of Euro 2024, but the long-time keeper is back for this go-around.
It would be highly unlikely for Courtois to repeat his 2018 performance, but a performance like 2022 should be enough to keep Belgium advancing
Jeremy Doku, Winger, Manchester City (England)
In the 2022 World Cup, scoring was an issue. They managed just one goal in three games, going 1-1-1 and being eliminated in the group stage. When they made a run in the 2018 World Cup, scoring came easier. They scored nine goals in the group stage, before five goals in the first two games of the knockout round. If Belgium is going to make a similar run, scoring will be necessary, and that will be the job of Jeremy Doku.
The Manchester City winger has been part of the senior team since 2020 and played in both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. Still, it was not until recently that he became a first-team regular in both international play and club play. He was a major contributor in the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, being a dominant dribbler throughout the tournament and creating multiple chances.
At Manchester City this past year, his creativity showed again. He scored eight times with 11 assists across all competitions, but it was his dribbling ability that made him a standout winger. He will be charged with creating chances, especially on the counter, and making explosive plays for Belgium.
Romelu Lukaku, Striker, Napoli (Italy)
While Romelu Lukaku is not the same level of player he once was, he is still a dangerous striker who can score quickly. No one has scored more for Belgium than Lukaku, who has 89 goals at the international level. He was limited this past year for Napoli, playing in just five matches and scoring just once, but his health seems to be less of a concern now.
In qualifying for Euro 2024, he scored 14 goals in eight appearances. VAR took away two goals in the tournament, but he still showed his goal-scoring ability. He was also instrumental in the 2018 run for Belgium. He scored four times in the group stage for Belgium that year. If the Red Devils are going to make a run, they need Lukaku to be the finisher he has shown he is capable of being.
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