Belgium National Football Team | History | Roster
Know everything about the Belgium National Football Team with the Current Squad in 2026 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Belgium’s Men’s National Team has represented Belgium in international football since 1904 and is one of the first national teams from mainland Europe. Belgium’s team is under FIFA’s global authority and comes under European football (UEFA). Belgium held the top spot on the international stage from 1920 to 1938 and again from 1982 to 2002, and has been represented continuously since 2014.
Belgium has often struggled in qualification rounds, but when given the chance to shine, they never hold back and always deliver strong performances. Most of their home games take place at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.
The Belgium team has had its ups and downs, appearing in 15 World Cups and reaching various stages, while also appearing in 7 European Championships. Additionally, secured third place in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and second place at the Euro Championships 1980.
Belgium National Football Team History
On October 11, 1900, Beerschot Athletic Club revealed that Belgium would host a series of challenge matches in Antwerp featuring some of Europe’s top football teams.
Despite major organisational hurdles under the leadership of Cees van Hasselt, the first tournament took place on April 28, 1901, between Belgium and the Netherlands.
In 1904, Belgium played their first-ever official game against France at the Stade Vivier d’Oie in Uccle. There were 1,500 spectators for the matches, and they ended in a 3-3 draw.
Belgium Current History and Information
| Info | Remark |
|---|---|
| FIFA code | BEL |
| Nickname(s) | De Rode Duivels, Les Diables rouges, Die Roten Teufel |
| FIFA Current Ranking | 8 (2 January 2026) |
| Top Scorer | Romelu Lukaku (89) Kevin De Bruyne (36) |
| Most caps | Jan Vertonghen (157) Axel Witsel (134) |
| Captain | Youri Tielemans |
| World Cup Appearances | 14 times Best Results- Third place (2018) |
| European Championship | 7 times Best Results- Runners-up (1980) |
| Nations League Finals | 1 time Best Results- Fourth place (2021) |
| Olympic Games | 5 times Best Results- Gold medal (1920) |
Current Status of the Belgian Soccer Team (2020-2026)
Between 2014 and 2026, Belgium entered a transitional era. Once widely regarded as a “golden generation”, they now find themselves navigating a challenging rebuild and redefining their identity on the international stage.
Rudi Garcia is the current Manager, and Youri Tielemans is the Captain of the Belgium national football team. The team has faced many ups and downs in its soccer journey. 2025 is shaping up to be a great year for the Belgium team, holding 8th position in the Men’s FIFA Power Rankings.
Major Turning Point: 2022 World Cup
- At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Belgium failed to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since 1998.
- This premature exit signalled the end of an era and raised serious questions about the squad’s competitiveness at the highest level.
- In the aftermath, head coach Roberto Martínez stepped down, paving the way for fresh leadership.
Rebuild & Leadership Change
- In early 2023, Belgium appointed new coach Domenico Tedesco, signalling a desire to refresh tactics and squad dynamics.
- By 2025, further change occurred as Rudi Garcia took charge, with an aim to stabilise and rebuild.
- Within the squad, veteran players such as Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne remain influential, but the need to integrate younger talent is clear.
Current Competitive Status & 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Their performance in the 2022‑23 UEFA Nations League and 2024‑25 UEFA Nations League was below expectations, failing to reach the finals.
- In the 2024‑25 UEFA Nations League group stage, Belgium lost 4 matches out of 5 matches.
- Belgium participated in the qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is placed in Group J.
- They secured all wins at the top of the group and qualified for the 14th time, joining the 2026 FIFA World Cup teams.
Belgium Full Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Here is the Belgium National team’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualification, which will be considered for the upcoming matches.
Results and fixtures
2026 Belgium National Football Team Fixtures and Results
Friendly Fixtures
| Date | Teams | Results | Host(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 March 2026 | United States vs Belgium | Atlanta, United States | |
| 31 March 2026 | Mexico vs Belgium | Chicago, United States |
2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule – Group Stage
Belgium are placed in World Cup Group G
| Date | Teams | Results | Host(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 June 2026 | Belgium vs Egypt | Seattle, United States | |
| 21 June 2026 | Belgium vs Iran | Inglewood, United States | |
| 26 June 2026 | New Zealand vs Belgium | Vancouver, Canada |
2025 Belgium National Football Team Fixtures and Results
| S.R | Teams | Score | Time/Date | |
| 2024–25 UEFA Nations League play-offs | ||||
| 1 | Ukraine vs Belgium | 3-1 | 20 March | |
| 2 | Belgium vs Ukraine | 3-0 | 23 March | |
| 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Fixtures | ||||
| 1 | North Macedonia vs Belgium | 1–1 | 6 June | |
| 2 | Belgium vs Wales | 4–3 | 9 June | |
| 3 | Liechtenstein vs Belgium | 0–6 | 4 September | |
| 4 | Belgium vs Kazakhstan | 6–0 | 7 September | |
| 5 | Belgium vs North Macedonia | 0–0 | 10 October | |
| 6 | Wales vs Belgium | 2–4 | 13 October | |
| 7 | Kazakhstan vs Belgium | 1–1 | 15 November | |
| 8 | Belgium vs Liechtenstein | 7–0 | 18 November | |
Belgium Team Top Goalscorers
| Position | Name | Goals | Caps | Position | Career |
| 1 | Romelu Lukaku | 89 | 124 | 0.72 | 2010–present |
| 2 | Kevin De Bruyne | 36 | 115 | 0.31 | 2010–present |
| 2 | Eden Hazard | 33 | 126 | 0.26 | 2008–2022 |
| 3 | Bernard Voorhoof | 30 | 61 | 0.49 | 1928–1940 |
Belgium National Football Team Most Appearances Player
| Position | Name | Caps | Goals | Position | Career |
| 1 | Jan Vertonghen | 157 | 10 | DF | 2007–2024 |
| 2 | Axel Witsel | 134 | 12 | MF | 2008–present |
| 3 | Toby Alderweireld | 127 | 5 | DF | 2009–2022 |
Belgium National Football Team Records
| Tournament | Winner | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| UEFA European Championship | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| UEFA Nations League | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Olympic Games | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 2 | 3 | 4 |
