Overview
Although many members of the golden generation have successively parted ways with the national team, the rest in the Belgian shirt still believe that they are capable of making a mark at the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Rudi Garcia's team is on a 12-match unbeaten streak since March 2025, with a record of 8 wins and 4 draws.
The most notable results came in the last 3 matches. First was a convincing 5-2 victory over the US at Atlanta, before drawing 1-1 with Mexico. Most recently, Belgium continued to affirm their strength with a 2-0 victory right on Croatia's field.
Although still revealing certain problems in the defense when conceding 6 goals in the last 6 matches, the victory at Rijeka is seen as a strong statement of Belgium's ambition in the journey to conquer the first major title in the team's history.
On the other side of the battle line, Tunisia did not maintain stability in terms of results, but their defense brought many positive signals under Sabri Lamouchi.
Since the 2-3 defeat to Nigeria in the African Cup, the North African representative has only conceded 3 goals in 5 matches against Tanzania, Mali, Haiti, Canada and Austria.
Tunisia also drew 1-1 with Brazil in a friendly match held in France in November last year. However, their most notable victories in the past year have mainly come against Jordan and Haiti.
The 2026 World Cup will be Tunisia's third consecutive appearance at the biggest football festival on the planet. In the last two World Cups, they have won 2 and drawn 1 after 6 matches.
Although underestimated compared to the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden in the race to advance in Group F, Tunisia still has a basis to nurture hopes of creating a surprise. If they continue to maintain solidity in defense and extend their current positive form, the North African representative can completely participate in the World Cup knockout round.
Personnel situation
Despite using a 3-5-2 formation in the victory against Croatia, Rudi Garcia is likely to bring the Belgian team back to a four-defender system in the upcoming match to strengthen the ability to control the game.
Accordingly, experienced names such as Thomas Meunier, Brandon Mechele, Axel Witsel, Dodi Lukebako and Romelu Lukaku all have the opportunity to be included in the starting lineup.
In the opposite direction, Amadou Onana is likely to be kept on the bench after returning to play not long ago.
On Tunisia's side, Sabri Lamouchi is closely monitoring Hannibal Mejbri's condition. The Burnley midfielder has a injury problem and is uncertain to recover in time after having to leave the field in the final minutes of the match against Austria.
In case Hannibal cannot play, Mohamed Belhadj Mahmoud is considered the most feasible replacement in the midfield area.
In addition, Dylan Bronn and Elias Saad are also ready to participate if the Tunisia coaching staff decides to make more adjustments in the defense or the two wing corridors.
Expected lineup:
Lammens, Meunier, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper, Witsel, Rankin, Lukebakio, Vanaken, Moreira, Lukaku.
Chamakh, Valery, Talbi, Rekik, Abdi, Skhiri, Belhadj Mahmoud, Khedira, Ben Slimane, Gharbi, Chaouat.
The match between Belgium and Tunisia takes place at 8:00 PM on June 6th (Vietnam time).
