Everything you need to know about Belgium’s confirmed squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Belgium will enter the 2026 World Cup as one of the dark horses expected to challenge for the trophy.

The Red Devils have produced some of the most talented footballers in recent times, yet their much-celebrated Golden Generation fell just short of achieving major international glory.

Throughout their history, Belgium have participated in 13 World Cup tournaments. They missed the editions from 1958 to 1966, as well as those in 1974, 1978, 2006, and 2010, while they chose not to enter the 1950 competition.

Their best performance came during the 2018 World Cup, when a Kevin De Bruyne-inspired side reached the semi-finals and went on to secure third place by defeating England in the play-off. The big question now: can they go a step further in 2026 and finally lift the trophy?

Goalkeepers

Belgium’s goalkeeping department is anchored by Thibaut Courtois, widely regarded as one of the best in the world. The Real Madrid custodian has earned over a century of caps for his nation and was awarded the Golden Glove after his exceptional performances in Belgium’s third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup.

Supporting him is Manchester United’s Senne Lammens, who has developed into a top Premier League goalkeeper since joining Old Trafford. Completing the trio is Mike Penders, on loan at Strasbourg from Chelsea, offering a youthful yet high-quality backup option.

Defenders

In defence, Belgium have undergone a generational shift following the retirements of long-serving stalwarts Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. Nonetheless, the backline retains solid experience through seasoned full-backs Timothy Castagne of Fulham and Thomas Meunier of Lille, both of whom have featured prominently in major tournaments.

Blending experience with youth, the defensive unit includes Sporting’s 22-year-old Zeno Debast and AC Milan’s 23-year-old Koni de Winter. Brighton’s Maxim de Cuyper, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Arthur Theate, Club Brugge duo Brandon Mechele and Joaquin Seys, and Lille’s rising star Nathan Ngoy complete a balanced and versatile defensive roster.

Midfielders

Belgium’s midfield remains one of their strongest areas, packed with both experience and quality. The team is led by stalwarts Youri Tielemans and Axel Witsel, and of course, the talismanic Kevin De Bruyne, who at 34 continues to be one of the finest creative midfielders in the world.

While the North American tournament could mark De Bruyne’s final international outing, the midfield is further bolstered by elite-level talent from Europe’s top leagues. Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana and Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin bring energy and tenacity, while Club Brugge’s Hans Vanaken adds creativity and composure.

Attackers

Belgium’s forward line remains one of the most dynamic and dangerous in world football. Romelu Lukaku leads the attack, offering power, experience, and a proven eye for goal. On the wings, Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku and Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard provide blistering pace and skill.

The attacking depth is further enhanced by creative forwards Charles de Ketelaere and Alexis Saelemaekers, both capable of blending playmaking with scoring ability. Benfica’s Dodi Lukebakio, Strasbourg’s Diego Moreira, and Lille’s young prospect Matias Fernandez-Pardo add flair and speed to the attacking arsenal.

Belgium’s Star Players

Kevin De Bruyne remains one of the world’s top playmakers and will aim to make a lasting impact before possibly concluding his international career. Romelu Lukaku, despite limited game time in the 2025–26 season, remains a world-class striker capable of scoring in any situation.

In goal, Thibaut Courtois continues to be among the best globally, while the dribbling brilliance of Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard offers Belgium an extra attacking edge.

Predicted Belgium Starting XI for World Cup 2026

Courtois is virtually guaranteed to start between the posts for Belgium at the World Cup.

In defence, Thomas Meunier and Timothy Castagne are expected to anchor the flanks, while Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans will provide the creative spark in midfield.

With a wealth of attacking options, Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard are likely to operate behind Romelu Lukaku, forming a front line capable of troubling any defence they encounter in 2026.

Predicted Belgium Starting XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Meunier, Mechele, Theate, Castagne; Tielemans, De Bruyne, Witsel; Trossard, Lukaku, Doku.