World Cup fan polls and Belgian coach Rudi Garcia's visit to cycling legend Eddy Merckx

A poll of over 7,000 Dutch football fans ahead of the tournament’s opening match showed two‑thirds favour striker Donyell Malen in the starting lineup, while only 14 % backed long‑time top scorer Memphis Depay. Respondents also named France as the favorite to win the World Cup and expressed lower enthusiasm for the event, citing political controversies and inconvenient match times.

Belgian national team coach Rudi Garcia, an avid cycling fan, recently met with cycling great Eddy Merckx after being arranged a visit by fellow enthusiast Vincent Mannaert. Garcia described the meeting as a childhood dream, praising Merckx’s achievements and discussing football topics such as Anderlecht and the Red Devils.

Belgian media also highlighted other World Cup preparations: Kevin De Bruyne’s training schedule in Seattle, the upcoming Belgium‑Egypt group match, and various player updates.