Belgium World Cup 2026: Red Devils Squad and Fixtures

Belgium World Cup 2026: Red Devils Squad and Fixtures

Belgium are back at a World Cup, and the Belgium World Cup 2026 bid comes with a healthy dosage of pure anticipation and equally as healthy dose of concern. This is a nation undergoing a period of transition. The Golden Generation - De Bruyne, Lukaku, Courtois et al. - are still here, of course. But you can bet your house on that it is the last journey for more than a few of those iconic characters. That third-place finish in the World Cup in Russia in 2018 felt like the ceiling for a generation of Belgium footballers; eight years on from that, the Red Devils arrive on North American soil with the cavalry mixing with familiar figures. Read on if you're wondering if this Belgian team still have the right stuff.

Group G is the designated grouping for Belgium and a group which pits them against Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. Based on paper, you'd expect a Belgium side to overcome such a test comfortably enough. But historically Belgium has been very poor with such high expectations surrounding them, and watching their Qatar 2022 effort was painfully difficult, but with fresh young talent like Amadou Onana and Charles De Ketelaere taking bigger responsibility in the squad, Belgium seem to have the depth needed and a fresh energy they arguably did not have four years ago.

Group G: Fixtures and the Route to the Knockouts

Belgium has been placed into Group G for the 2026 World Cup, with Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand as the opposition. Those three teams on any given day can beat anybody and therefore are expected to not trouble Belgium greatly. However, this is soccer, and soccer does not always live up to its expectations.

Below is how Belgium's group stage schedule in Russia will look in its entirety:

Fixture	Date	Venue	Kickoff (UTC)	Kickoff (Local)
Belgium vs Egypt	June 15, 2026	To be confirmed	19:00 UTC	To be confirmed
Belgium vs Iran	June 21, 2026	To be confirmed	19:00 UTC	To be confirmed
New Zealand vs Belgium	June 27, 2026	To be confirmed	03:00 UTC	To be confirmed

That third game in New Zealand state 03:00 UTC.. On a good day, it's a little early, so back home in Belgium you'll probably want to tape it or wake up and make sure to scan your local schedules. Game venues for the three matches not confirmed.

The Squad: Coach and Key Players

Still have to name a head coach, per existing official reports. Not perfect preparation in the build-up. Doesn't happen for the first time for a major nation heading into a tournament.

The squad, on the other hand, has quality indeed. These are the players that will make the difference for Belgium's journey in 2026:

• He is arguably the best in the world at the top of his game. Real Madrid form has superb this year and provides a calming influence at the back that Belgium will surely need.
• Thirty-five-years-old at the time of the tournament but still able to produce passages of play that force you to lower your drink. The team's engine and has always been. Don't doubt his involvement in the Belgium World Cup 2026 scheme of things.
• Big Rom is still the main striker for Belgium, and his presence and finishing will never fail to be a menace to opponents. His club performances may have been mixed over the year but he usually delivers in big tournaments for his country.
• Amadou Onana (Defensive Midfield): The enforcer in midfield, already one of Europe's premier defensive midfielders even in his early twenties. The most consistent and likely to be Belgium's best in 2026.
• Charles De Ketelaere (Attacking Midfield): He has produced a quite spectacular season in Bergamo, and looks creative, technically gifted and most importantly for his development he's finally got the consistency his initial development promised.
• The electric pace is there, it's quick, direct, he's a defender's nightmare in close situations and playing for City he is a vastly improved and more focused player. When it clicks for him, he's a pleasure to watch.

Outside of those six, there is Premier League-winning experience and versatility in Leandro Trossard, control in the middle from Youri Tielemans, and development in central defence through young Arthur Theate, all of which provides depth, not an issue the side had during the golden generation years.

Tactical Identity

Belgium often plays in a 4-3-3 shape or a 4-2-3-1 but that can vary depending on the opponents and personnel available. Based on the squad personnel De Bruyne could come in to play in that #10/attacking midfield spot, with Onana sitting in front of the defense below him and two wide forwards (Doku/Trossard) extending them.

As the game progresses Belgium will likely move the ball into the center with speed before seeking the flanks should space arise. Lukaku will hold the ball to allow his teammates to join. He is dominant in the air, wins hold up balls with surprising ease, and pulls in players. On the defensive side of the game, the quick counter will worry the Belgians as Egypt and Iran are both likely to exploit this style of play. Will the eventual Belgian coach build a team which allows Courtois the maximum protection whilst at the same time offering De Bruyne and Doku freedom?

How Belgium Has Fared at Past World Cups

Belgium possess a relatively lengthy World Cup history that has consistently seen them qualify for tournaments since their first in 1930. Although modern day sides have been solid rather than spectacular, their capability was transformed in 2018 when under Roberto Martinez they finished third in Russia. This was their best ever finish in Belgian football history point blank. A team that triumphed over Brazil in the quarter finals' in a game that still draws discussion, and were only stopped by France in the semi-finals.

Belgium's campaign in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, though, was underwhelming, eliminated in the group stages amidst dressing room issues which became the story not the football. A really frustrating exit which felt like that generation died with something of a whimper not a roar. The 2026 World Cup campaign presents an opportunity for the Belgium team to have a much sweeter closing chapter, or a clean start altogether with some of their exciting young talent.

Where to Watch Belgium Matches at World Cup 2026

Where you can watch The World Cup comes down to what country you live in. Best is the World Cup 2026 guide of which broadcaster in each country has rights. It varies from country to country which deal can be had - for example you don't have the same live and on-demand rights in Belgium as you have in UK, USA or Australia. Fans in the United States can follow all the action through Fox Sports' official FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage.

Watch all the World Cup 2026 games Live For Belgium, no matches appear to be exclusively televised via individual networks, so if you are planning on watching the matches online for Belgium then your local broadcasts and your own national television providers should be in the clear by 15th June, but bookmark your current station announcement page for any future information.

Realistic Expectations for Belgium at World Cup 2026

Realistically? Belgium absolutely must find their way out of the group. This is a Belgium squad that possesses enough talent to see off Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. A run to the Round of Sixteen should be seen as a minimum expectation for a team of this caliber, not their zenith. The further they go from there will depend heavily on the fixture computer and if the talents of De Bruyne and Courtois turn up to the party at the crucial times. A quarterfinal berth is well within their capabilities. But for Belgium to go any deeper, even as far as the semi-finals, it will need to come down to a perfect convergence of all elements at the right time. This isn't the all-conquering Belgian side of 2018 that hit form exactly at the right juncture, but their story this time around should still capture interest. For the latest news and updates on the tournament's North American host cities, the FIFA World Cup 26 Los Angeles™ official site is a great resource for fans planning to attend matches in person.