Belgium's so-called Golden Generation reached its peak with a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, defeating England in the third-place playoff. The 2022 Qatar campaign ended in disappointment, with an early group-stage exit despite containing star quality throughout the squad. By 2026, that celebrated generation will have largely aged out or retired, leaving Belgium in a transitional phase. Expect a team rebuilding its identity under new leadership, carrying residual quality but lacking the cohesive depth that made them one of Europe's most feared nations just a decade ago.
Romelu Lukaku, if fit and motivated, remains Belgium's most dangerous attacking threat, though his fitness history is a persistent concern. Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana provide energy and composure in midfield, while Lois Openda offers a dynamic forward option. Dodi Lukebakio adds width and pace. Domenico Tedesco, who took charge in 2023, favors a structured, pressing-oriented style with vertical ambition. The backline has shed some reliable veterans, and finding consistent defensive organization will be among Tedesco's most pressing challenges heading into the tournament.
Group G presents Belgium with a genuinely favorable draw. New Zealand, historically limited at World Cup level, should offer few problems. Iran are disciplined and defensively organized but lack the attacking firepower to seriously threaten a well-prepared Belgian side. Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, represents the group's most credible danger, capable of causing an upset on a good day. Belgium should collect six points against Iran and New Zealand comfortably. The Egypt fixture will likely decide group position rather than qualification itself. Advancing from this group would be considered a minimum expectation.
PickProphecy users can pick Belgium to advance from Group G with reasonable confidence. The opposition does not include any elite European or South American side, giving Belgium a clear structural advantage. The principal risk is internal: an aging and transitional squad that could struggle with cohesion under pressure, and Lukaku's perennial fitness uncertainty. If Belgium emerge slightly rusty or tactically unsettled, Egypt in particular could punish them. Pick Belgium to qualify, but temper expectations for deep knockout-round progression until the squad's true tournament form becomes clearer.
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