Belgium at the 2026 World Cup: Group G Preview
A golden generation that faded, but now arrives at 2026 with fresh faces and renewed optimism — and Doku ready to terrorize defenses.
Belgium enter the 2026 World Cup having been drawn into Group G alongside Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand, with matches in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Vancouver. On paper, the group looks manageable — and after the humiliating group-stage exit at the 2022 tournament, which effectively buried their famed golden generation, the Red Devils are desperate to prove they still belong among the contenders.
Under new coach Rudi Garcia, the mood has shifted. The Frenchman, who built his reputation by winning Ligue 1 with Lille and guiding Roma to back-to-back Serie A runner-up finishes, has brought a clear attacking philosophy and a willingness to trust younger talent. His 4-3-3 system, built around possession and counter-pressing, has given real opportunities to players like Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin and Club Brugge full-back Joaquin Seys. The old guard's defensive backbone — Kompany, Alderweireld, Vertonghen — has been replaced by Zeno Debast, Koni De Winter, and Maxim De Cuyper — a new generation emerging from a long shadow.
Going forward, the options are plentiful. Doku, Trossard, De Ketelaere, Saelemaekers, and Fofana are all vying for the wide positions, but it's Jeremy Doku who has emerged as the most dangerous threat. The 23-year-old Manchester City winger started every qualifying match, scoring five goals and providing three assists, tormenting defenders on both flanks with his exceptional dribbling ability. Kevin De Bruyne is also in the picture — his vision and passing range remain unmatched — but at 34 and coming off 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 is reclaiming his place as one of the world's best goalkeepers.
Belgium's World Cup history is a story of near-misses: fourth place in 1986, quarter-final eliminations in 2014 and 2018, and that devastating group-stage exit in Qatar. Garcia's task is to channel the talent at his disposal into something more cohesive — and in Doku, he at least has a player capable of deciding matches single-handedly.