Belgium squad World Cup 2026: Which players have made it to the showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada?

Belgium possess one of the finest goalkeepers in world football in Thibaut Courtois. The Real Madrid shot-stopper has earned over 100 caps for his country and famously claimed the Golden Glove award during the Red Devils' historic third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup following a string of exceptional performances.

Courtois is complemented by able support from Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who has developed into one of the most outstanding stoppers in the Premier League since his arrival at Old Trafford. Completing the trio is Mike Penders, currently on loan at Strasbourg from Chelsea, who provides an exciting, high-quality backup option for the tournament.

In defence, Belgium have experienced a significant changing of the guard in recent years following the international retirements of legendary stalwarts Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. Nevertheless, the backline still boasts plenty of tournament pedigree through seasoned full-backs Timothy Castagne of Fulham and Lille's Thomas Meunier, both of whom have featured prominently at previous major finals.

This vital experience is set to be blended with a vibrant wave of youth, headlined by Sporting's 22-year-old Zeno Debast and AC Milan's 23-year-old Koni de Winter. Completing a versatile defensive unit for the tournament are Brighton's Maxim de Cuyper, Eintracht Frankfurt's Arthur Theate, Club Brugge duo Brandon Mechele and Joaquin Seys, alongside Lille's highly-rated prospect Nathan Ngoy.

Belgium continue to boast remarkable tactical talent and depth in the engine room. Alongside seasoned international campaigners Youri Tielemans and Axel Witsel, the Red Devils possess one of the finest midfield maestros on the planet in Kevin De Bruyne, who remains a world-class force even at the age of 34.

While this tournament in North America may well represent a spectacular final curtain call for De Bruyne's illustrious international career, the midfield unit is further reinforced by elite Premier League and European steel. Aston Villa’s powerhouse Amadou Onana and Rangers' dynamic Nicolas Raskin add immense energy to the selection, whilst Club Brugge's experienced playmaker Hans Vanaken provides invaluable creative support and tournament savvy.

Belgium remain incredibly well-blessed with a devastating array of attacking options ahead of the tournament. Leading the line is Romelu Lukaku, who provides a powerful, intensely physical, and highly prolific focal point for the frontline, whilst the Red Devils boast immense, explosive talent on the flanks through Manchester City's Jeremy Doku and Arsenal's Leandro Trossard.

The depth in the final third is further illustrated by a versatile support brigade capable of unlocking the tightest of defences. Creative forwards Charles de Ketelaere and Alexis Saelemaekers both offer a potent mix of goalscoring instincts and playmaking vision, whilst Benfica's dangerous wide man Dodi Lukebakio, Strasbourg's tricky winger Diego Moreira, and Lille's highly-rated prospect Matias Fernandez-Pardo inject plenty of fleet-footed exuberance into the ranks.

Kevin De Bruyne has been one of the top creative players in world football and will be out to leave a lasting impression on the World Cup before he hangs up his boots, while Romelu Lukaku is an elite striker who can hit the back of the net in any circumstance, despite the fact he's hardly played in the 2025-26 campaign.

In goal, Thibaut Courtois is arguably the very best in the world, while the dazzling dribbling skills of Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard are a potent weapon.

Courtois is almost certain to keep goal for Belgium at the World Cup. 

In defence, expect Meunier and Castagne to keep the backline in check, with De Bruyne and Tielemans attempting to pick the lock of the opposition defence. 

With a remarkable level of talent in attack, Doku and Trossard could dovetail behind Lukaku and cause immense problems for just about any backline the Red Devils will come up against in the World Cup in 2026. 

Predicted Belgium starting XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Meunier, Mechele, Theate, Castagne; Tielemans, De Bruyne, Witsel; Trossard, Lukaku, Doku.