Belgium's national football team, the Red Devils, have publicly declared their ambition to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a press conference on May 28, 2026, head coach Domenico Tedesco stated, 'We have the talent and the belief. Yes, we can win the World Cup.' This marks a resurgence of confidence after a period of transition following the 'Golden Generation' era.
The team's recent performances have bolstered this optimism. Belgium secured a 3-1 victory over Italy in a friendly on May 25, 2026, with goals from Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and a debut strike from 19-year-old midfielder Jérémy Doku. The squad currently ranks 4th in the FIFA World Rankings as of May 2026.
Key players have echoed the coach's sentiment. Captain Kevin De Bruyne said, 'We have a mix of experience and young talent. The chemistry is great, and we are ready to compete.' The team is drawn in Group H alongside Uruguay, South Korea, and New Zealand for the tournament, which begins on June 14, 2026, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
However, analysts caution that Belgium faces stiff competition from defending champions Argentina, Brazil, and France. The Red Devils' best World Cup finish was third place in 2018. Their last major tournament performance ended in a quarterfinal exit at Euro 2024.
