A group-stage exit in 2022 had been a sobering lesson. Belgium returned in 2026 with renewed purpose. Under Rudi Garcia, they were ready to write the next chapter.
Belgium arrive at 2026 in the middle of a difficult generational handover. The golden generation of De Bruyne, Hazard, and Lukaku that dominated the 2018 and 2022 cycles has begun to fragment. Under coach Rudi Garcia, a younger core led by Jérémy Doku, Amadou Onana, Romelu Lukaku (still the main striker), and Wout Faes faces the challenge of restoring the Red Devils' knockout-round presence.
Belgium emerged from the group stage unbeaten, showing resilience in a tough opening round. They edged past Senegal in the Round of 32, put on a commanding display against United States in the Round of 16, and were narrowly knocked out by Spain in the Quarter-finals. The narrowest of defeats against Spain ended what had been a promising tournament run.
3won2drawn1lost
14scored7conceded
3 consecutive wins eliminated in the group stage.
Kevin De Bruyne, 34, captains the side in what is likely his final World Cup. The Manchester City maestro, now at Napoli, remains one of the sport's finest creative midfielders. Belgium's 2026 fate may depend on his durability over three group matches.
vs New Zealand
group stage
3 goals in 24 minutes 2 scored by Trossard.
Charles De Ketelaere led Belgium's attack with 3 goals 2 in the round of 16 and 1 in the quarter-finals at the 2026 World Cup. Shared the top-scorer honours with Lukaku, both with 3.
Garcia, 61, took over in 2025 after Domenico Tedesco's dismissal. A French manager with Lille, Roma, Marseille, and Napoli on his CV, he was hired to provide tactical clarity heading into the home stretch of qualifying. Leading Belgium at his first World Cup 3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss under Garcia.
Belgium were dull for three group matches and then dangerous for three knockout ones. Garcia's side found its shape late, scoring five against New Zealand and four against the United States before running into the one team in the tournament that would not let them have the ball.
