Belgium at a glance
Belgium compete in Group G with Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. The Red Devils enter a transitional phase after the golden generation (Hazard, De Bruyne era). Belgium remain strong favorites in Group G, though Egypt represents a test.
Group G fixtures
- Belgium vs Egypt — Lumen Field, Seattle (15 June, 19:00 UTC).
- Belgium vs Iran — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (21 June, 19:00 UTC).
- New Zealand vs Belgium — BC Place, Vancouver (27 June, 03:00 UTC).
Key players to watch
- Jérémy Doku (FW) — Manchester City winger; pace, dribbling, and directness lead Belgium's attack.
- Denzel Dumfries (DEF) — fullback transitioning into creative role; width and recovery.
- Youri Tielemans (MID) — defensive midfielder; press resistance and passing range stabilize Belgium.
- Jan Vertonghen (DEF) — veteran center-back; experience and leadership guide transition.
- Ayoze Perez (FW) — attacker; finishing and movement in the box.
- Thibaut Courtois (GK) — Real Madrid keeper; shot-stopping and distribution remain elite.
Predicted starting lineups
Official starting lineups will be confirmed closer to kick-off. The XI below reflects the predicted selection based on current form and squad news.
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Belgium squad overview
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Maxim Caufriez. Defenders: Jan Vertonghen, Dedryck Boyata, Wout Faes, Denzel Dumfries, Thomas Meunier. Midfielders: Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel, Saïd Benrahma. Forwards: Jérémy Doku, Michy Batshuayi, Eden Hazard (if returning), Leandro Trossard.
Tournament path
Belgium are Group G favorites. A top-two finish likely draws the Group H runner-up (Spain, Uruguay, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia) in round of 32. If Belgium top the group, knockout path is standard.
Strengths
- Elite attacking wing talent — Doku at Manchester City provides world-class directness.
- Experienced core — Vertonghen, Courtois, and Tielemans understand major tournament pressure.
- Goalkeeper quality — Courtois remains among the world's elite shot-stoppers.
- Defensive organization — despite transition, Belgium's shape is compact and disciplined.
Weaknesses
- Generational shift — loss of Hazard and aging De Bruyne create power vacuum.
- Striking depth — no elite true number nine; Belgium rely on positional play.
- Center-back experience — Boyata and Faes are younger; backline lacks Vertonghen equivalents.
- Tournament history — semifinal exit in 2018 and quarterfinal in 2014 show Belgium struggle in knockouts.
Predictor strategy
Belgium are heavy favorites against Iran and New Zealand. Egypt is competitive — expect 1-0 or 2-1 with Belgium dominant. Doku is a premium goalscorer pick when Belgium attack; Tielemans offers defensive consistency for exact-score picks.