World Cup 2026: Belgium’s squad featuring Thibaut Courtois
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Belgium has officially named a 26-player squad mixing seasoned veterans and new faces, notably Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois to guide the Red Devils in their renewal bid.
Just weeks before the kick-off of the 2026 World Cup, Belgium moves forward with ambition and a certain form of renewal. Placed in Group G alongside Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand, the Red Devils hope to definitively turn the page on a golden generation that has reached the end of its cycle. Recently named head coach, Rudi Garcia unveiled this Friday a 26-player list highly anticipated, marked both by continuity and a few bold choices. The former Marseille coach, now at the helm of the Belgian project, is expected to be scrutinized after several international campaigns deemed disappointing.
Unsurprisingly, the veteran core will be on hand to lead this group. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois will lead a squad that retains a solid backbone of experience. Alongside them, Jérémy Doku will be one of the main offensive weapons, expected for his speed and his ability to destabilize defenses. The Belgian squad is also distinguished by the presence of several players on the rise, such as Amadou Onana or Charles De Ketelaere, while players competing in Ligue 1 and abroad help round out a balanced squad. On the other hand, some absences are a matter of debate, notably Loïs Openda, Arthur Vermeeren, and Romeo Lavia, not selected for this World Cup.
Belgium’s squad
Goalkeepers : Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Strasbourg)
Defenders : Zeno Debast (Sporting CP), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt), Koni De Winter (AC Milan), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge KV), Nathan Ngoy (Lille), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Timothy Castagne (Fulham FC), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge KV)
Midfielders : Kevin De Bruyne (Naples), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa FC), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa FC), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge KV), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers FC), Axel Witsel (Girona FC)
Forwards : Jérémy Doku (Manchester City FC), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal FC), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Dodi Lukébakio (Benfica), Romelu Lukaku (SSC Napoli), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta BC), Matías Fernández-Pardo (Lille), Diego Moreira (Strasbourg)
