Belgium 2026 World Cup hopes hinge on new generation

Belgium begins the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11 in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The Belgian squad, led by head coach Rudi Garcia, enters as an outsider despite finishing third in 2018. Garcia’s team relies on a mix of established stars and emerging talents. The new generation features players like Johan Bakayoko and Charles De Ketelaere, who have become key figures in recent campaigns. Belgium’s group includes Canada, Morocco, and Croatia. A strong performance in Group E will be crucial to advance beyond the group stage.

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Historically, the Red Devils have struggled in knockout rounds since 2018. Garcia faces pressure to progress past the Round of 16 for the first time since the tournament’s last edition. Belgium’s preparation includes friendlies against Portugal and Egypt in March. These matches will test the squad’s cohesion before the tournament opener against Canada.

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The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams, altering qualification dynamics. Belgium’s path to the knockout stages may be more challenging than in previous editions.