Belgium

Belgium — the Red Devils — are drawn into Group G alongside Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. This is a favorable group for a Belgian side that, despite the decline of their golden generation, still boasts significant quality.

Egypt are the strongest opponent, with Mohamed Salah leading their attack. Iran are organized and physical. New Zealand are the clear underdogs. Belgium should expect to top the group.

Why this group matters: Belgium's golden generation — Hazard, De Bruyne, Courtois, Lukaku — defined a decade of near-misses (2018 semifinalists, 2022 group-stage shock exit). The 2026 squad is in transition, and how they navigate this group will signal whether Belgium remain a force or are fading.

Egypt on Matchday 1 is the group's marquee fixture. Iran on Matchday 2 in Los Angeles is a tricky test. New Zealand on Matchday 3 in Vancouver should be the most manageable assignment.

Belgium have appeared in 14 FIFA World Cups:

• Best finish: Third place (2018)
• 2018 in Russia: Belgium's golden generation peaked with a semifinal run. They beat Brazil 2-1 in the quarterfinal — one of the best World Cup matches of the decade — before losing to France in the semifinal. The third-place match victory over England cemented their status as the best team never to reach a final.
• 2022 in Qatar: A shocking group-stage exit. Belgium lost to Morocco 2-0 and drew with Croatia 0-0, failing to advance. It was the golden generation's most bitter disappointment.
• Historical pedigree: Belgium finished fourth in 1986 and have been consistent World Cup participants since the 1980s.

The contrast between 2018 (semifinal, beating Brazil) and 2022 (group-stage exit) captures Belgium's volatile nature: capable of brilliance one tournament, disastrous the next.

Rudi Garcia, the Italian-German coach, has been rebuilding Belgium since the post-2022 overhaul. His approach brings tactical discipline and modern pressing concepts to a squad in transition.

• Protects an aging defense with an extra center-back when needed
• Maximizes De Bruyne's passing from a free role
• Uses Doku's pace to stretch opponents and create space
• Presses in organized blocks rather than relying on individual quality
• Integrates youth alongside the remaining golden-generation players

The transition from Hazard-era Belgium to the next generation is the central challenge. Garcia's ability to blend De Bruyne and Courtois's experience with Doku and Onana's energy will determine Belgium's ceiling.

Belgian football culture is passionate, festive, and slightly chaotic — reflecting the country's unique blend of Flemish, Walloon, and Brussels identity.

• Red wave: Belgian fans in their distinctive red create a vibrant atmosphere. The 2018 World Cup run generated unprecedented national unity in a country sometimes divided along linguistic lines.
• Pub culture: Belgium has the highest density of bars per capita in Europe, and football-watching is inherently a social, beer-fueled experience. Belgian beer and football are inseparable.
• Manneken Pis tradition: After Belgian victories, the famous Brussels statue is dressed in a Red Devils jersey — a beloved national tradition.
• Friendly rivals: Belgian fans have a well-earned reputation for friendliness at tournaments, often fraternizing with opposing supporters.

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: Kevin De Bruyne is one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, and watching him orchestrate a match is like watching a chess grandmaster — every pass has purpose. Jeremy Doku's explosive dribbling provides the contrast. Belgium's blend of fading legends and emerging talent creates a compelling narrative: is this the last dance or the beginning of something new?

Belgium should top Group G without major difficulty. Egypt will provide a test, but the overall quality gap is in Belgium's favor.

Prediction: Round of 16. Belgium will advance through the Round of 32 but face a strong opponent in the Round of 16 — likely a group runner-up from a tougher group. The squad is good enough to compete but may lack the depth and consistency to go further. A quarterfinal is possible if De Bruyne produces a vintage performance.