Belgium Predicted World Cup XI

Let’s face facts – Belgium are not the team they used to be. Ten years ago, they were one of the most feared nations in world football, but now, they are threatening to be amongst the World Cup’s also-rans in 2026.

Today, we’ll take a look at how Belgium might line up for their first game at the 2026 World Cup. Remember, this XI isn’t necessarily based on our preferred picks – this is merely how we think Rudi Garcia’s men will be assembled.

GK: Thibault Courtois

Real Madrid’s Thibault Courtois is currently dealing with an injury that could see him out of action for almost six weeks. Were it not for his legendary reputation, Courtois might have missed out on this XI as a result.

Nevertheless, despite his age, Courtois is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Manchester United starlet Senne Lammens will get his opportunity one day, but not at this tournament.

RB: Thomas Meunier

At 34, Thomas Meunier is well past his best – however, he is still a regular member of Belgium’s starting XI. There is competition, in the form of Timothy Castagne, but Meunier has generally enjoyed better form than the Fulham man this season.

Meunier has played in 19 Ligue 1 games for LOSC Lille this season, scoring a single goal and notching up two assists. He has 76 Belgium caps to his name – his experience could be invaluable at the World Cup.

CB: Arthur Theate

Arthur Theate is the archetypal modern centre-back. He is no slouch defensively, but his main strengths come from his ability to play the ball out from the back.

With that being said, Theate has struggled somewhat this season – he has been part of a particularly leaky Eintracht Frankfurt backline, conceding 51 goals in 27 games. Nevertheless, as Belgium’s flagship defender, you can expect him to start at the World Cup.

CB: Koni De Winter

Koni De Winter only has five Belgium caps to his name – additionally, he didn’t have a great start to life for the Red Devils, being involved in their ignominious 1-1 draw away at Kazakhstan.

Nevertheless, at just 23 years of age, De Winter has plenty of developing to do. There aren’t many other quality options at centre-back for Belgium – as such, it would make sense if Garcia wished to bed him in at the World Cup.

LB: Maxim De Cuyper

Maxim De Cuyper has largely been a rotational option for Brighton this season, but has generally managed to stand out when picked.

With two goals to his name in the Premier League this season, De Cuyper’s attacking acumen is evident – he is also very fast, making him difficult for wingers to dribble beyond.

CM: Amadou Onana

Hard-working, physically dominant and technically sound, Amadou Onana is an absolute monolith of a central midfielder. His form often comes and goes, but the former Everton man is a shoe-in for this XI.

He has had a few injury issues this season, but is currently fit to play – hopefully, he can stay that way in time for the World Cup.

CM: Youri Tielemans

Youri Tielemans has led a highly overlooked campaign at Aston Villa this season – he has played a vital role in their attempt to secure Champions League football next season.

An excellent playmaker with a wide range of passing, Tielemans can be called upon to hold Belgium’s midfield together – theoretically, he and Onana will be an excellent midfield partnership at the World Cup, as they both cover each other’s weaknesses.

RW: Alexis Saelemaekers

Alexis Saelemaekers will make it into Belgium’s squad for a few reasons. He has led a decent season at AC Milan, scoring two goals and notching up four assists, but his main selling point is his pliability.

Saelemaekers is more than comfortable playing on the right wing, but he can also function as a left-winger, a wide midfielder or as a wing-back.

AM: Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne’s inclusion in Belgium’s starting XI hinges on one factor – his fitness. If De Bruyne is healthy is enough to start, then he will be the first name on Garcia’s teamsheet.

De Bruyne has spent much of the season out of action with a hamstring injury, but is slowly being worked back into contention. As things stand, the Manchester City icon has scored four goals in 11 games this season.

LW: Jeremy Doku

The current season hasn’t been Jeremy Doku’s best, but it would be surprising to see him left out of Belgium’s starting XI at the 2026 World Cup.

An incredibly tricky winger who loves to run at players and take them on, Doku is a real throwback. He’s very strong on the ball, too – it’s very difficult to defend against him.

ST: Leandro Trossard

We all know what you’re thinking – why isn’t Romelu Lukaku occupying this role? It’s simple – he hasn’t played for Belgium for almost a year and has only scored a single league goal for Napoli this season.

In his stead, Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard has stepped in as an auxillary striker. We’d expect Lukaku to feature at some point in the tournament, but his lack of minutes – international or otherwise – cannot be overlooked.