Overview
Coach Rudi Garcia clearly understands that the greatest strength of the Belgian team lies in the attack. Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Romelu Lukaku all possess the ability to create breakthroughs in different ways. Meanwhile, the defense is considered their weakness since the golden generation including Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen and Jan Vertonghen successively retired. The rare exception is goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
That's why I always choose a 4-defender formation instead of 5-defender. If I use 5 defenders, I will have to sacrifice an attacking player and that's a pity" - Garcia explained.
The French strategist often deploys a mid-range defense to support attacking ability, while reducing pressure on the defense. However, this approach also raises questions when Lukaku is having many problems with fitness and form.
The Napoli striker has only played 64 minutes this season and could not participate in the national team jersey due to injury until he came on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Croatia.
Therefore, the greatest scorer in the history of the Belgian national team with 90 goals is likely to enter the World Cup in a state of lack of competitiveness.
The Belgian team had a relatively favorable qualifying campaign when they were in the same group as Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein.
Despite maintaining an unbeaten record, their performance was not really convincing when they were held to a draw three times, including 2 matches against Northern Macedonia and one match against Kazakhstan. However, 29 goals after 8 matches are clear proof of the attacking power of this team.
Doku is expected to be the center of attention in attack, while Courtois continues to play a reliable stopper in goal.
Coach
The 2026 World Cup will mark Rudi Garcia's first time leading a national team at the biggest football festival on the planet.
The French military leader was appointed to replace Domenico Tedesco in January 2025. Previously, he led many famous clubs such as Lille, Roma, Marseille, Lyon, Al-Nassr and Napoli.
Garcia is considered a typical coach of the traditional school, not too dependent on modern data analysis. Since taking over the team, he has contributed to restoring the positive atmosphere in the dressing room.
The most important thing for me is to build a real team on the field. Experience shows that is the most effective way to go far" - Garcia shared.
Star
Doku is currently one of the most loved players by Belgian fans. At the age of 24, the Manchester City star is still on a strong development path. If he used to mainly rely on breakthrough speed, now Doku has significantly improved his crossing ability, handling in tight spaces and contributing goals.
He scored many important goals in the final stage of the Premier League season, thereby affirming his increasing role in both the club and the national team.
I understand my qualities and know that I need to improve my statistical indicators. I still haven't reached the level I wanted" - Doku shared.
Notable faces
Matias Fernandez-Pardo is one of the most surprising names in the World Cup squad of the Belgian national team. The 21-year-old striker of Lille was not in Garcia's plans until early May. Possessing dual Spanish and Belgian nationality, Fernandez-Pardo once declared that he wanted to wear the La Roja shirt.
However, before concerns about Lukaku's condition and Lois Openda's decline in form, the Belgian Football Federation contacted him again and successfully persuaded this young player to change his mind.
Thanks to his speed, dribbling skills and effective finishing ability, Fernandez-Pardo won a ticket to the World Cup. Joining Lille from Gent in August 2024 as a winger, he was moved by coach Bruno Genesio to play as a striker and quickly shone with 8 goals and 5 assists after 29 matches in the domestic league in the 2025-2026 season.
The silent hero
Maxim De Cuyper is a name often underestimated but plays a very important role in the Belgian national team's system.
Brighton's 25-year-old left-back stands out thanks to his effective attacking support ability. In the context of Lukaku's frequent absence, De Cuyper even became a significant source of goals for the team.
Under Rudi Garcia, he is always in the starting lineup whenever he is in the best physical condition. With absolute confidence from the coaching staff, De Cuyper is likely to continue to keep a starting spot at the 2026 World Cup, despite often having to be friends with the bench at club level.
