Belgium targets first World Cup title at 2026 tournament

Belgium will appear at its 15th FIFA World Cup in 2026 after topping its qualifying group. The national team, known as the Red Devils, has never won the competition; its best finish was third place at the 2018 tournament, following a semifinal appearance in 1986. The so‑called “golden generation” of Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois reached the semifinals in 2018 but exited in the group stage at Qatar 2022, prompting a rebuild.

Under new coach Rudi Garcia, Belgium has begun a transition with a younger, more collective squad. The side qualified for the 2026 World Cup, winning its group and aiming to break the century‑long wait for its first title.