Belgium, the Red Devils, have been one of the most consistent teams in international football over the past decade. With a FIFA ranking of 3, they are one of the favorites to lift the trophy in the 2026 World Cup. Despite their impressive recent form, they have never participated in the World Cup, a fact that might seem surprising given their talent and experience. In this spotlight article, we'll explore why Belgium could surprise everyone and confirm their favorites status.
Belgium's squad boasts an incredible array of talent, with players like Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Romelu Lukaku leading the charge. Their 4-3-3 formation, which has been their go-to setup in recent years, allows them to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities. With their exceptional midfield trio of De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, and Youri Tielemans, they can control the tempo of the game and dictate the flow of play.
Belgium has been in excellent form in recent years, with a string of impressive results against top-tier opponents. They have won 12 of their last 15 matches, including victories over England, Germany, and France. Their recent 2-0 win over the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League was a testament to their growing confidence and cohesion as a team.
Kevin De Bruyne is the heartbeat of the Belgian team, and his creativity and vision on the pitch are unmatched. Eden Hazard, despite his injury woes, remains a key player for Belgium, and his ability to beat defenders with his quick feet and agility is a nightmare for opponents. Romelu Lukaku, the team's prolific striker, has been in excellent form, scoring crucial goals for his club and country.
Belgium's tactical approach is centered around their midfield trio, who control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for their forwards. Their full-backs, Timothy Castagne and Toby Alderweireld, provide width and support to the team's attack, while their center-backs, Jan Vertonghen and Jason Denayer, provide a solid defensive foundation.
Belgium has never participated in the World Cup, a fact that might seem surprising given their talent and experience. However, they have a rich history in international football, having won the 2018 UEFA Nations League and finishing third in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Belgium is expected to top their group, which includes teams like Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea. In the knockout stages, they will face a tough opponent in the round of 16, but their experience and talent will see them through to the quarterfinals. From there, they will face a more challenging opponent, but their midfield trio and attacking prowess will see them through to the semifinals.
In the end, Belgium's World Cup campaign will come down to their ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different situations. With their talented squad and experienced coaching staff, they are well-equipped to handle the demands of the tournament. Will they finally lift the trophy and confirm their favorites status? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Belgium will be a team to watch in the 2026 World Cup.