Thibaut Courtois Leads Belgium into FIFA World Cup 2026

Thibaut Courtois will lead Belgium into the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the team's elite goalkeeper.

What are the challenges for Belgium?

Belgium's squad still has star power, but it's balancing age, injury history, and transition. The team's fitness has been a major talking point, with Romelu Lukaku's fitness being a concern.

Who are the key players for Belgium?

Kevin De Bruyne can control a match, and Thibaut Courtois remains elite when fit. Lukaku is the country's record scorer, and Jeremy Doku gives the attack pace.

What is the predicted lineup for Belgium?

The predicted XI for Belgium is a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Thibaut Courtois as the goalkeeper. The squad includes young players like Amadou Onana, Zeno Debast, and Charles De Ketelaere. Belgium's opener against Egypt is the group's most important match. Winning this match will allow Belgium to control the section before facing Iran and New Zealand. The team should qualify, but the deeper question is whether it can still look like a team capable of causing trouble beyond the group stage. Thibaut Courtois and the team will face challenges, but they have the experience and skill to succeed. Belgium has appeared in the FIFA World Cup 15 times, with their best finish being third place in 2018. As of June 09, 2026, Belgium's FIFA ranking is 9, with 51 matches played, 21 wins, 10 draws, and 20 losses. The team has scored 69 goals and conceded 74, with Romelu Lukaku being the highest active scorer with 89 goals.