Belgium at World Cup 2026: Group G Preview

Under new manager Rudi Garcia, the mood has shifted. The Frenchman, who built his reputation winning Ligue 1 with Lille and pushing Roma to back-to-back Serie A runners-up finishes, has brought a clear attacking philosophy and a willingness to blood younger talent. A 4-3-3 system built around possession and counter-pressing has given players like Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin and Club Brugge full-back Joaquin Seys a genuine foothold in the squad. The old guard's defensive spine — Kompany, Alderweireld, Vertonghen — has been replaced by the likes of Zeno Debast, Koni De Winter and Maxim De Cuyper, a new generation stepping out of a long shadow.

Up front, the options are plentiful. Doku, Trossard, De Ketelaere, Saelemaekers and Fofana all compete for wide roles, but it is Jeremy Doku who has emerged as the standout threat. The 23-year-old Manchester City winger started every qualifier, contributing five goals and three assists while tormenting defenders on both flanks with his exceptional one-on-one ability. Kevin De Bruyne remains in the picture too — his vision and passing range are unmatched — though at 34 and returning from a serious hamstring injury, Belgium can no longer rely on him as their sole creative engine.

The return of Thibaut Courtois is another boost. The Real Madrid goalkeeper had refused to play under Garcia's predecessor Domenico Tedesco, but was welcomed back after just six months and reclaims his place as one of the best shot-stoppers in the world.

Belgium's World Cup history is one of near-misses: fourth place in 1986, a quarter-final exit in 2014, and a semi-final defeat to eventual champions France in 2018 — before that damaging group-stage collapse in Qatar. Garcia's task is to channel the talent at his disposal into something more coherent — and in Doku, at least, he has a player capable of deciding games on his own.