Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: The Red Devils’ Final Chance

Belgium enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup at a crossroads. The famed golden generation — ranked world No. 1 for a record 2,889 days and reaching the 2018 semi-finals — is aging. But aging doesn’t mean finished. The Red Devils arrive in Group G alongside Iran, Egypt and New Zealand with one final chance to win the trophy that has always eluded them.

Coach Domenico Tedesco manages a squad still featuring several world-class players. Kevin De Bruyne — Manchester City’s creative genius — is approaching the twilight of his career but remains one of the most complete midfielders ever to play the game. Romelu Lukaku brings physical dominance and a goal threat that defenders around the world fear. In goal, Thibaut Courtois — when fit and at his best — is the finest shot-stopper on the planet. On the wings, Jeremy Doku brings the youth, pace and directness that this team needs.

Now or Never

After finishing third in 2018 and falling to Morocco in the 2022 group stage, Belgium knows 2026 is now or never. The window is closing. A squad that featured Hazard, De Bruyne, Lukaku, Courtois, Kompany and Witsel together won’t exist much longer.

Key Players

• Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City legend, one of the greatest midfielders ever
• Romelu Lukaku – Physical, powerful striker who scores goals at every level
• Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid’s world-class goalkeeper
• Jeremy Doku – Manchester City’s explosive young winger, the future of Belgian football

Belgium has the quality to win Group G comfortably and go deep in the knockouts. Whether the aging core can perform when it matters most is the question. This really is their last chance.