The fourth World Cup in a row: De Bruyne, Kourtney, Lukaku, and Witsel remain the core of Belgium’s football team.

The Belgian national team has officially confirmed the participation of four key players in the fourth World Cup. For Kevin De Bruyne, Tito Velhas, Romelu Lukaku, and Axel Witsel, this isn’t just a statistical achievement. It’s a way of marking the end of the “golden generation” of players who brought Belgium to the top 1 ranking in FIFA’s world rankings. This was one of the most talented teams of the past decade.

The path to this milestone was difficult. In 2014, they debuted at the World Cup in Brazil as ambitious young talents. In 2018, they won bronze in Russia, demonstrating their excellent counterattack skills. In 2022, they faced challenges in Qatar, and couldn’t overcome the group stage. Now, as we approach the 2026 World Cup, the focus is on experience, leadership skills, and tactical maturity.

Each of these players plays a unique role in the team’s structure. De Bruyne remains the main striker, with his vision for the field and his accurate passes compensating for any potential physical decline. Kourtney is a reliable foundation for defense, and his decisions in one-on-one situations often determine the outcome of matches. Despite his age and competition, Lukaku still remains a key player, serving as a emotional leader for the team. Witsel brings structure, discipline, and the ability to read the game to the midfield. This is crucial in playoff matches.

The biggest challenge for the coaching staff is managing the workload. The schedule will become more intense, and the climate in North America will require adaptation. The team’s age profile (average age will be over 33 years) means that mistakes cannot be allowed. Medical oversight, tactical flexibility, and proper distribution of playing time will be crucial.

For Belgium, this is a chance to end this era on a good note. If experience prevails over fatigue, the “Red Devils” will once again be a serious contender for medals. If not, then the world will see the inevitable decline of one of the most talented generations in European football history. The fourth World Cup will be their last opportunity to prove themselves.