Belgium have officially released their final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Rudi Garcia making some bold and controversial selections.
The official announcement, confirms the 26-man squad that will represent the Red Devils in the tournament. Garcia’s list features several experienced stars but notably leaves out a number of high-profile players who were widely expected to make the cut.
Notable Omissions from Belgium’s World Cup Squad
Several key names have been left out of the final squad, including:
• Matz Sels
• Roméo Lavia
• Mandela Keita
• Malick Fofana
• Loïs Openda
• Nathan De Cat
• Arthur Vermeeren
• Mika Godts
The exclusion of in-form players like Loïs Openda and highly-rated youngsters such as Roméo Lavia and Arthur Vermeeren has already sparked debate among fans and pundits.
Belgium 2026 World Cup Squad Breakdown
Goalkeepers:
Thibaut Courtois, Mike Penders, Senne Lammens
Defenders:
Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Maxim De Cuyper, Koni De Winter, Brandon Mechele, Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Joaquin Seys, Arthur Theate
Midfielders:
Kevin De Bruyne, Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken, Nicolas Raskin, Axel Witsel
Attackers:
Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Romelu Lukaku, Dodi Lukebakio, Diego Moreira, Alexis Saelemaekers, Leandro Trossard
What This Means for Belgium
The squad blends experienced campaigners like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois with emerging talents. Captain De Bruyne and striker Lukaku will once again lead the line, while the defence looks solid with Courtois anchoring the backline.
Garcia’s decision to drop several attacking and midfield options suggests he is prioritising tactical balance and squad harmony over individual reputation. Belgium will head into the 2026 World Cup with renewed expectations as they aim to go further than their quarter-final finish in recent major tournaments.
The full squad is now locked in, and attention turns to how these players gel during preparation. Belgian football fans will be eagerly watching whether this selection proves to be a masterstroke or a missed opportunity.