With less than a month to go until the 2026 World Cup, Belgium have named their squad for the summer tournament. It's now clear that the Golden Generation is a thing of the past.
Ahead of the tournament kicking off on 11 June, all of the 48 teams competing will have to announce their final squad lists soon, with each team bringing up to 26 players. France announced theirs yesterday, with the notable absentee being Eduardo Camavinga.
Belgium boss Rudi Garcia has now revealed his 26-man squad, and some big names have missed out. Indeed, Matz Sels, Romeo Lavia, Mandela Keita, Malick Fofana, Lois Openda, Nathan De Cat, Arthur Vermeeren, and Mika Godts will also watch the World Cup from afar.
Goalkeepers
Thibaut Courtois in action for Belgium
Thibaut Courtois in action for Belgium
Three names familiar to Premier League fans made the cut in goal. Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid will be the number one, although Senne Lammens of Manchester United has had a fine debut season at Old Trafford.
Mike Penders (at Strasbourg, on loan from Chelsea) has also been called up as the third-choice.
Defenders
Fulham's Timothy Castagne in action with Liverpool's Cody Gakpo
Premier League - Fulham v Liverpool - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - April 6, 2025 Fulham's Timothy Castagne in action with Liverpool's Cody Gakpo REUTERS/Tony O Brien
Iconic duo Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld were stalwarts of the Golden Generation and their absence will be felt at the back. Premier League duo Timothy Castagne (Fulham) and Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton) both get the bod, as does AC Milan ace Koni De Winter and Lille duo Thomas Meunier and Nathan Ngoy.
Club Brugge will send two defenders in Joaquin Seys and Brandon Mechele, while Zeno Debast of Sporting CP and Eintracht Frankfurt's Arthur Theate are also involved.
Midfielders
kevin de bruyne napoli
The names in midfielders look more familiar, with Kevin De Bruyne still the nation's big star. Now 34 and playing for Napoli, it will be interesting to see how he performs for Belgkim this summer.
Premier League pair Amadou Onana (Everton) and Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa) will play a key role in the middle of the park, while Axel Witsel (Girona) will also bring high-level experience. Hans Vanaken of Club Brugge and Nicolas Raskin from Rangers make up the midfield options for Garcia.
Attackers
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku in action
Finally, in attack, there's no longer Eden Hazard lighting up the pitch for the Belgians but record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku has been trusted to lead the line at another World Cup. He's be supported by top wingers Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) and Leandro Trossard (Arsenal).
Big things will also be expected of Atalanta star Charles De Ketelaere, while Dodi Lukebakio (Lille), Diego Moreira of Strasbourg, Alexis Saelemaekers at AC Milan, and Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo may have important roles to play as well.
More to follow...