World Cup 2026: Belgium national team squad – Red Devils rely on Romelu Lukaku as post-golden generation era begins
Belgium enter the 2026 World Cup at a crossroads, with a significantly reshaped squad compared to their peak years and renewed reliance on veteran striker Romelu Lukaku to lead them through a transitional period.
Eight years after finishing third at the 2018 World Cup, the “Golden Generation” has largely faded, leaving only a small core of experienced players to guide a squad still searching for consistency at the highest level.
End of an era, uncertain rebuild
Belgium’s most successful modern period peaked in Russia in 2018, when they reached the semi-finals and secured third place. Since then, many of that squad have retired, declined in form or struggled with injuries, leaving a noticeable gap in experience and leadership.
Today, the team still includes established figures such as Kevin De Bruyne, Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois, but the wider squad has yet to fully match the quality or cohesion of its predecessor.
In attack, Belgium retain options such as Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere, while Youri Tielemans continues to anchor the team in midfield.
However, concerns remain over balance and depth, particularly in central areas, where Belgium have struggled to find long-term successors to their previous elite core.
Garcia tasked with stabilising transition
Belgium are now led by Rudi Garcia, appointed in 2025 after a turbulent period following Roberto Martínez’s departure and an inconsistent spell under Domenico Tedesco.
Garcia, 60, brings extensive club experience from Lille, Roma, Lyon, Marseille and Napoli, and has previously managed at international level with Saudi Arabia. His appointment was seen as a move towards stability and structure rather than radical transformation.
While Belgium’s recent qualifying form under Garcia has been solid, questions remain over his ability to manage a major tournament, particularly with a squad in transition.
The draw has been kind, with Belgium placed in a group alongside Egypt, Iran and New Zealand, giving them a clear opportunity to progress if expectations are met.
Lukaku remains central figure
Much of Belgium’s hopes continue to rest on Romelu Lukaku, the nation’s all-time leading scorer with 89 international goals.
Despite an inconsistent season disrupted by injuries and club uncertainty, Lukaku remains Belgium’s primary attacking reference point heading into the tournament.
His physical presence, finishing ability and experience at major tournaments make him indispensable, particularly in matches where chances are likely to be limited.
Support from creative midfielders and wide players will be essential if Belgium are to maximise his strengths, especially in the group stage where efficiency could define their progress.
Group stage outlook and expectations
Belgium’s fixtures begin against Egypt before matches against Iran and New Zealand, offering a pathway that, on paper, should allow progression to the knockout stages.
Group stage fixtures
- 16 June: Belgium v Egypt
- 22 June: Belgium v Iran
- 27 June: New Zealand v Belgium
While Belgium are expected to qualify, the wider question is how far this evolving squad can realistically go beyond the group stage.
Their recent history shows a team still capable of strong performances, but lacking the consistency and cohesion that defined their peak years.
A team between generations
Belgium’s challenge at the 2026 World Cup is not just tactical, but generational. The remaining core of experienced stars is gradually being replaced, yet the next wave has not fully established itself at elite level.
If Lukaku remains fit and influential, Belgium have enough quality to compete with most opponents. Without him at his best, however, their margin for error becomes significantly smaller.
As the Red Devils begin a new cycle, their ambitions are increasingly shaped not by the dominance of the past, but by how effectively they can adapt to a more uncertain present.
