Belgium World Cup History
Belgium’s World Cup history is a story of what might have been. The nation ranked number one in the world for nearly four years boasted a “Golden Generation” featuring Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, and Dries Mertens — but never delivered the trophy their talent deserved.
Belgium’s golden era peaked at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they reached the semi-finals before a 1-0 defeat to France. Their third-place victory over England was superb, and a stunning 2-1 quarter-final win over Brazil — widely regarded as one of the best performances by any team in 2018 — showed what this generation was capable of on their best days.
A disappointing Euro 2020 exit and 2022 World Cup last-16 defeat to Morocco marked the fading of that generation. A new Belgium is emerging — Lois Openda, Amadou Onana, Johan Bakayoko — with Kevin De Bruyne potentially playing his final World Cup. With Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand in Group G, Belgium are well-placed to go deep in 2026 and finally deliver a major trophy.
Belgium World Cup Group G — Opponents Analysis
Group: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Belgium’s Group G opponents are achievable for the Red Devils, though each carries its own challenges. Egypt — led by the legendary Mohamed Salah — are arguably the most dangerous side in the group and should not be underestimated; Salah has been one of the world’s top players for nearly a decade and will be determined to deliver at his first World Cup, giving Egypt an attacking threat that can trouble any defence, and this match is the must-watch game of Belgium’s group stage.
Iran are a well-organised, disciplined side who have qualified for back-to-back World Cups and are difficult to break down — their European-based players bring quality and they will defend resolutely against Belgium’s attackers, making this a potentially tricky match.
New Zealand — representing Oceania — are the group underdogs but their physically robust style and the novelty of a first World Cup group-stage appearance since 1982 will generate enormous enthusiasm; Belgium should win this match but must avoid any complacency. Belgium are clear Group G favourites and should advance with relative comfort.
2026 Belgium World Cup Tickets and Schedule
June 15, 2026 Belgium vs Egypt Lumen Field, Seattle, WA 3:00 PM
June 21, 2026 Belgium vs Iran SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA 3:00 PM
June 27, 2026 New Zealand vs Belgium BC Place, Vancouver, Canada 11:00 PM
Belgium Star Players to Watch
| Player | Club | Position | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City | Midfielder | Perhaps the greatest passer of a generation — this may be his final World Cup |
| Romelu Lukaku | Napoli | Forward | Belgium’s all-time top scorer with power and finishing to trouble any defence |
| Thibaut Courtois | Real Madrid | Goalkeeper | World’s best goalkeeper — his saves can single-handedly win matches |
| Lois Openda | RB Leipzig | Forward | One of Europe’s top strikers — explosive, clinical, and relentless in pressing |
| Amadou Onana | Aston Villa | Midfielder | A physical powerhouse who dominates midfield with intelligence and drive |
| Johan Bakayoko | PSV Eindhoven | Winger | Electrifying young winger who is one of Europe’s most exciting prospects |
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