As Belgium’s “golden generation” is led by Roberto Martinez into the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, it may be their final opportunity to put on a World Cup spectacle.
In order to lead Belgium into a new era of international play, Kevin de Bruyne and his international teammates carried heavy expectations as youthful stars. They reached the World Cup quarterfinals in 2014, losing to Argentina 1-0, and finished third in Russia at the 2018 World Cup, which was by far their best-ever World Cup performance.
Although this squad is strong and deadly in attack, there are a few weaknesses that other teams could take advantage of. Martinez is still a quality coach who understands how to get the most out of his players by giving them the best chance for success.
A dream come true to represent the @BelRedDevils at the World Cup! 🇧🇪
It’s a very proud moment for me and my family. It’s been a tough journey to get to this point with many sacrifices but I never gave up and always believed ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OF66fDUeas
— Jeremy Doku (@JeremyDoku) November 10, 2022
Final 26-man Belgium World Cup roster
With only a few exceptions; all of Belgium’s World Cup starters were locked in long before the tournament began. Martinez had to make a few decisions between promising young players, but otherwise his squad is complete with the best players from the Big 5 European leagues.
Several injuries were recorded. Notably; star striker Romelu Lukaku; has made the cut despite recently suffering another muscle injury while playing for Inter Milan. In addition, fullback Thomas Meunier, who broke his cheekbone on October 16 while on club duty, is also going to Qatar.
Notable players who did not make the cut include Divock Origi; Jason Denayer, and Dedryck Boyata.
Very proud to be part of the team. Another World Cup booked, I couldn’t dream of a better life ❤️🇧🇪 HERE WE GO 🔥 @BelRedDevils pic.twitter.com/WxKKZFZv6H
— Michy Batshuayi (@mbatshuayi) November 10, 2022
Belgium World Cup group
The Red Devils have been drawn into Group F. Only the top two teams in each group will advance.
Belgium are the highest-ranked team in Group F and will open the tournament against John Herdman and Canada, before taking on African powers Morocco and 2018 finalists Croatia.
With a knockout place possibly already in hand, the final game against Croatia could be a solid litmus test of how ready Belgium is for their chase of World Cup glory.
World Cup Group F fixtures and match schedule
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Wed, Nov. 23 | Morocco vs. Croatia | 5 a.m. | Al Bayt |
| Wed, Nov. 23 | Belgium vs. Canada | 2 p.m. | Ahmad Bin Ali |
| Sun, Nov. 27 | Belgium vs. Morocco | 8 a.m. | Al Thumama |
| Sun, Nov. 27 | Croatia vs. Canada | 11 a.m. | Khalifa Int’l |
| Thurs, Dec. 1 | Croatia vs. Belgium | 10 a.m. | Ahmad Bin Ali |
| Thurs, Dec. 1 | Canada vs. Morocco | 10 a.m. | Al Thumama |
Belgium projected starting XI vs Canada (3-4-3):
Courtois (GK) — Alderweireld; Vertonghen, Debast— Castagne, Tielemans, Dendoncker, Meunier — Hazard, Lukaku, De Bruyne.
