Belgium’s summer at the World Cup produced some of the tournament’s most dramatic moments before ultimately ending in the quarter-finals.
The Red Devils trailed Senegal 2-0 with just five minutes remaining in the last 32, only to complete a stunning fightback through Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans before winning it in extra time via the latest goal ever scored in World Cup history, Tielemans converting a controversial penalty at 124 minutes and 44 seconds.
That dramatic escape set up a comfortable 4-1 win over co-hosts USA in the round of 16, before Belgium’s run finally came to an end with a 2-1 defeat to eventual finalists Spain in the quarter-finals.
Tielemans was one of Belgium’s standout players throughout, while Senne Lammens featured as back-up goalkeeper behind Thibaut Courtois across the tournament.
That summer now feels like a distant memory as attention turns to Belgium’s next assignment.
Manchester United duo called up to Belgium squad
Youri Tielemans and Senne Lammens have both been called up as Belgium prepare for the next edition of the UEFA Nations League, as they announced on their website.
The Red Devils face Italy, France and Turkiye in their opening fixtures at the end of September and start of October.
Belgium open against Italy in Rome on 25 September, before hosting France in Brussels three days later, then Turkiye in Liege on 2 October, and closing the round away to France in Paris on 5 October.
Tielemans arrives having completed a summer move to Manchester United from Aston Villa, forming part of a significant midfield rebuild alongside Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba.
His experience at the top level made him an attractive option for Michael Carrick as United looked to add composure and know-how to the middle of the park.
Both players will be looking to carry good form into the international window, with United’s own season having started unevenly following back-to-back home defeats to Manchester City and Brighton.
Belgium’s squad remains packed with experience beyond the two United players, including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, giving opponents plenty to think about despite the World Cup quarter-final exit.