Elena Peeters will be covering Belgium throughout the World Cup for Bet9ja, bringing previews, betting insight and tournament analysis.
For the first time in years, Belgium are going into a tournament without the constant weight of the “golden generation” hanging over everything.
Honestly, I think that could help massively.
For so long, every Belgium tournament became a conversation about failure. Every match was judged against the idea that we were supposed to win the World Cup with that generation. Once it became clear it probably was not happening, the pressure became toxic.
Now, this team feels younger, freer, and honestly more exciting to watch again under Rudi Garcia.
How Belgium Reached the World Cup
- Qualification record: 5W-0L-3D
- Goals for / against: 29 / 7
- Top scorer: Kevin De Bruyne (6)
- Top assists: Alexis Saelemaekers (4)
Belgium qualified unbeaten again, although it was not always convincing.
There were frustrating draws and some very slow starts in games, but offensively the team still looked dangerous throughout qualifying. The 4-2 win away in Wales was probably the performance where Belgium looked closest to becoming a genuinely dangerous tournament side again.
The attack has quality everywhere.
The problem is whether the defence can hold up against elite opposition later in the competition.
Belgium’s Group Fixtures
- Belgium vs Egypt – June 15 – Seattle, USA
- Belgium vs Iran – June 21 – California, USA
- New Zealand vs Belgium – June 26 – Vancouver, Canada
On paper, Belgium should comfortably qualify from this group.
Egypt is definitely the toughest fixture because they are experienced and tactically disciplined, but honestly Belgium fans will expect seven or nine points here.
Why This Belgium Team Feels Different
The biggest difference is energy.
For the last couple of tournaments, Belgium looked old physically and mentally. This team feels much more dynamic, especially in wide areas.
Everything starts with Jeremy Doku. He is chaos in the best possible way. Every time he gets the ball, it feels like something ridiculous could happen.
Then you add players like Dodi Lukebakio, Charles De Ketelaere and the younger attacking options coming through, and suddenly Belgium feel unpredictable again.
And of course, there is still Kevin De Bruyne.
Even now, he remains the player who controls everything when Belgium are flowing properly.
Players Who Will Define Our Tournament
Doku is the player who could completely explode at this World Cup.
Tournament football loves explosive wingers who can change games individually, and there are not many players in the world better one-v-one than him right now.
I’m also really interested in De Ketelaere because this feels like the tournament where he either fully establishes himself as Belgium’s main striker or the questions continue.
And quietly, I think Amadou Onana could become one of Belgium’s most important players because his physicality and midfield control are essential against stronger nations.
The Tactical Questions
The defence is still the biggest concern.
There is talent there, but not the same certainty Belgium once had with Kompany, Alderweireld and Vertonghen. Against weaker teams, Belgium can dominate possession and hide some of those defensive weaknesses. Against elite teams, those moments become far more dangerous.
There is also the question of mentality.
Belgium have developed a reputation for underperforming in huge knockout matches, and until this group proves otherwise, those doubts will remain.
Still, the overall vibe around this team feels healthier than it has in years.
What Belgium Expects This Summer
Belgium fans are hopeful rather than expectant.
Nobody realistically expects this team to win the World Cup, which honestly might make them more dangerous because the pressure is nowhere near what it used to be.
There is genuine belief that the draw gives Belgium a chance to build momentum early and maybe reach another quarter-final or even semi-final if things break correctly.
And if the attack catches fire, nobody will want to face Belgium in a one-off knockout game.
Elena’s Predicted Belgium XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Thibaut Courtois
RB: Thomas Meunier
CB: Zeno Debast
CB: Arthur Theate
LB: Maxim De Cuyper
CM: Amadou Onana
CM: Youri Tielemans
AM: Kevin De Bruyne
RW: Dodi Lukebakio
LW: Jeremy Doku
FW: Charles De Ketelaere
My Expectation for Belgium
I don’t think Belgium are genuine favourites, but I do think they are one of the most dangerous outsiders.
The attack has too much talent to ignore, especially with Doku capable of destroying tired defenders late in games.
The biggest issue is whether the defence can survive against the truly elite teams later in the tournament.
But compared to the negativity around Belgium after Qatar, this already feels like a much healthier and more enjoyable national team to follow again.
Quickfire
- Best group-stage fixture: Belgium vs Egypt
- Biggest concern: Defensive inexperience
- Player I’m most excited for: Jeremy Doku
- Potential breakout player: Malick Fofana
- Team I least want Belgium to face: France
