Belgium's Last Generation: De Bruyne and Lukaku on the Verge of Bowing Out from the Big Stage

The disappointments of the 2022 World Cup, with a group-stage exit, and of Euro 2024, which ended in the round of 16 against France, have left their mark. Nevertheless, coach Rudi Garcia refuses to write his team off. „Wir befinden uns eher in der Außenseiterrolle. Und ehrlich gesagt gefällt mir das sogar“, said Garcia, who took over the team from Domenico Tedesco in January 2025. At the same time, he sets the direction: „Wir brauchen uns vor niemandem zu fürchten. Wir müssen in der Lage sein, jeder Mannschaft in die Augen zu schauen und sie zu schlagen.“

De Bruyne and Lukaku: The Last Stars

At the heart of Belgian hopes stands once again Kevin De Bruyne. The long-time ManCity star, the former Wolfsburg player, now plays for Napoli and, even at 34, remains a key player. The midfield conductor has already made 119 international appearances, but he knows time is running out. „Ich weiss, dass ich nicht mehr zehn Jahre vor mir habe, und deshalb möchte ich dieses Turnier und die Momente geniessen“, said De Bruyne. Garcia calls him „einen der besten Fußballer aller Zeiten“.

Alongside De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku carries the main burden in attack. With 89 goals, the striker – who once wore the jerseys of Inter Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United – is Belgium's all-time leading scorer. Last season, however, he played barely more than an hour for Napoli, mostly due to injury. In early June, after a year-long break, he celebrated his comeback in the friendly against Croatia – and scored as a substitute in the 2:0 win. De Bruyne is aware of the limitations: „Wir können nicht erwarten, dass er 90 Minuten spielt, aber Lukaku hat ein unglaubliches Talent vor dem Tor – auch in einer halben Stunde kann er sehr gefährlich sein.“

Farewell to the Golden Generation

Behind the two veterans stands goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, also a late bloomer at 34. Former Dortmund player Axel Witsel (37) is also still part of the squad. It is a selection that brings plenty of experience but has hardly any further development potential.

Three defining figures of the Golden Generation, on the other hand, are no longer available. Eden Hazard, Jan Vertonghen and Dries Mertens have ended their careers or are no longer part of the squad. Hazard now prefers to play golf or go cycling. Vertonghen is Belgium's most-capped international. „Es ist eine Mischung aus der alten Garde und der neuen Generation, die sich langsam, aber sicher durchsetzt“, said Hazard in an interview with world governing body FIFA. He is sure about the chances in the group: „In ihrer Gruppe sind sie die klaren Favoriten“.

Belgium goes into the tournament as ninth in the FIFA World Rankings. In World Cup qualifying, the Belgians finished top of their group without a defeat, though there were two draws against North Macedonia. In 1986, the Belgians also finished fourth with a host of stars, but the third place eight years ago was the best result in World Cup history. At least the sporting world is speaking favorably: „Belgien ist in dieser Gruppe zweifellos das beste Team“, said Hazard.

The underdog role that Garcia is deliberately embracing is meant to inspire rather than paralyze. In the opening game against Egypt, Belgium is still considered the clear favorite. If they manage a successful start, the team could rediscover in the knockout phase that lightness that carried them to the semifinals in 2018. Otherwise, the end of an era that shaped Belgian football for more than a decade and a half looms.

A win against Egypt would see Belgium take a first step out of the shadow of the past. The tournament in the USA is likely the last chance on the international stage for De Bruyne and Lukaku – and for coach Garcia, the opportunity to etch his name into the annals of the Red Devils with a big result.