Belgium predicted lineup for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Courtois & De Bruyne
The Red Devils won bronze at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
From failing to qualify in the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups to clinching a bronze medal in 2018, the Red Devils shocked the footballing world. Belgium went on to eliminate peak Brazil. They even defeated England twice (once in the group stage & once in the third-place match) to clinch their first-ever bronze in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Belgium’s recent rise to global prominence is a story of how long-term grassroots planning can pave paths for the future. Today, many Belgian players compete in top European leagues around the world.
However, their recent form has been concerning. They were eliminated in the group stage rounds after dropping points against Croatia and Morocco in the last edition (2022).
This time, they are drawn in a relatively easier group alongside Iran, Egypt and New Zealand. They are the favourites to top Group G.
After the departure of Roberto Martinez to Portugal and Domenico Tedesco, they roped in French gaffer Rudi Garcia. He has previously led Al Nassr, Napoli and LOSC Lille before making a move to the Belgium national team. Belgium have an excellent squad on paper, and they have all it takes to make it to at least the semis.
In this article, we find out how Rudi Garcia’s men could potentially line up in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Belgium predicted XI (4-3-3)
GK: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Courtois is just three games away from making the most appearances by any Belgian player in FIFA World Cup history. After a fallout with Tedesco, he announced that he would not return to the Belgian national team as long as he remained manager.
Now with Rudi’s appointment, he is back. He is unarguably one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He started almost every game for Real Madrid this season.
The world saw his heroics against Brazil in the 2018 World Cup. He made nine saves to eliminate Neymar’s Brazil out of the World Cup.
RB: Thomas Meunier (LOSC Lille)
In Belgium’s historic bronze medal game against England, it was Meunier who scored a fourth-minute volley to propel his nation to their first-ever podium finish in World Cup history. He was also a regular starter for the Red Devils in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
He is coming off an impressive season with LOSC Lille, propelling them to the UEFA Champions League. He made 35 appearances and had four goal contributions for Lille this season.
CB: Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge)
Mechele has spent his entire career at Club Brugge and is coming after winning the Belgian top flight. Despite being a centre back, he had 10 goal contributions in 57 games for Club Brugge.
With the retirement of veterans like Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, Mechele will be tasked with the responsibility of marshalling Belgium’s defence. Many may argue that he is a bit old and his recovery speed can be a concern. But his experience will be key for Garcia’s side.
CB: Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Despite Eintracht Frankfurt missing out on a continental berth, Theate was excellent, making 33 appearances this season. Despite being named in Belgium’s 26-man squad, Theate was just relegated to an unused substitute in 2022. He will be making his anticipated World Cup debut.
He is highly mobile and loves to step out of the defensive line to stop those threatening runs. He also brings a fierce, vocal aggression that this Belgian backline, most of whom are in their early 30s, desperately needs.
Also read: Germany predicted lineup for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Musiala & Neuer
LB: Maxim De Cuyper (Club Brugge KV)
De Cuyper is coming after a decent season with the Seagulls, after making 31 appearances for Brighton and Hove Albion this season. He announced himself to the world by curling a jaw-dropping goal against Italy in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League.
De Cuyper doesn’t carry the heavy emotional trauma or pressure of past Golden Generation tournament failures. He plays with a completely free, youthful arrogance. He will be making his World Cup debut.
CM: Amadou Onana (Aston Villa)
One of the tallest players in the Belgian team, Amadou Onana, is coming after winning the UEFA Europa League with Aston Villa. He had a decent campaign with the Birmingham outfit and scored two goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.
As a 21-year-old prodigy, he started two games for Belgium against Morocco and Canada, but received a second yellow that kept him out of the final 2022 group game. He is a key player in Belgium’s midfield for the upcoming edition.
CAM: Kevin De Bruyne (SSC Napoli)
The undisputed playmaker of his generation, De Bruyne is ageing like fine wine. He had a pretty decent campaign in the Italian top flight after making a high-profile move to Napoli. As a six-time English champion with Man City, his world-class vision, accurate passes, and long-range shooting make him an asset.
He has been Belgium’s star player for the last three editions. A key character in Belgium’s golden generation, De Bruyne won the World Cup bronze and was inducted into FIFA’s Dream Team in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Also read: Portugal predicted lineup for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Ronaldo & Bruno
CM: Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa)
The creative engine behind Aston Villa’s European Championship, Tielemans, has been in sublime form, making nine goal contributions in 35 games. He is brilliant in controlling the tempo of the game, especially during close leads in knockout games.
He connects the defensive line directly to De Bruyne. He would be keen to replicate his terrific continental form with the Red Devils to propel them to another semi-final or more.
RW: Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)
21 goal contributions in 50 games across all competitions at just 23, Jeremy Doku is unarguably one of the finest players in Europe this season. He possesses a burst of acceleration that can leave any full-back on earth completely stranded.
Many footballing pundits have referred to him as Belgium’s player to watch out for in the FIFA World Cup 2026. This is due to his devastating form under Pep Guardiola. This competition could be his moment to shine.
ST: Romelu Lukaku (SSC Napoli)
Romelu Lukaku is just one goal away from becoming Belgium’s all-time highest goalscorer in the FIFA World Cup history. He is current joint highest goalscorer with Marc Wilmots. This will be Lukaku’s fourth World Cup appearance and most likely his last dance.
He had a terrible 2022 campaign where he could not score a single goal. His current form with Napoli is very concerning. He played just seven games this season.
He is Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer. He must step up when his country needs him the most.
LW: Leandro Trossard (Arsenal F.C.)
Another in-form Belgian who is coming after winning the English Premier League with Arsenal. Trossard has been absolutely brilliant, making 17 goal contributions for Arsenal this season.
He featured across the 2022 group stage phases. He will be Belgium’s undisputed starter in the upcoming edition. The winger would be keen to dominate the left flank, and his clinical finishing is world-class.
Who is Belgium’s coach in the FIFA WC 26?
Rudi Garcia.
Which teams are in Belgium’s group
Iran, Egypt and New Zealand.
Is Romelu Lukaku in the Belgium team?
Yes, Lukaku is expected to start for Belgium.
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.