Belgium BEL

Belgium arrive at World Cup 2026 ranked ninth in the world by FIFA, managed by Rudi Garcia and carrying the unmistakable air of a squad in transition. The glittering golden generation has given way to something less defined, and while qualifying was completed without serious trouble, it was rarely a spectacle that set pulses racing.

The attacking options, at least, retain genuine menace. Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku offer creativity and pace in abundance, and Romelu Lukaku's presence up front gives Belgium a physical focal point that few defences relish. The caveat is a significant one, however — Lukaku managed just 64 minutes of football for Napoli this season, leaving serious questions over his sharpness and fitness heading into the tournament.

Defensively, the picture is far less comfortable. The era of Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen and Jan Vertonghen is long gone, and what remains behind Thibaut Courtois is, by Belgium's own recent standards, a vulnerable unit. Courtois himself remains world-class, but the burden he may be asked to carry could prove heavy.

The wider squad does offer depth and experience in key areas. Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana and Hans Vanaken provide options through midfield, while Thomas Meunier, Zeno Debast and Senne Lammens round out a group that blends seasoned heads with emerging talent. Whether Garcia can mould them into a cohesive, tournament-ready side remains the central question surrounding the Red Devils this summer.