The old guard adapts
When the World Cup 2026 kicked off, few considered Belgium as genuine contenders. Stripped of icons like Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Marouane Fellaini, the Red Devils appeared to be in transition. Yet, after a miraculous comeback from 2-0 down against Senegal with just five minutes remaining in the last 16, and a dominant 4-1 dismantling of the USA on home soil, they now face Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’s assessment rings true: "I think this is a new era for us."
Four survivors from the halcyon days of Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018 remain: Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne and Axel Witsel. But their roles are shifting. Courtois, 34, has been ever-present between the posts, while 33-year-old Lukaku has scored three goals in under 50% of possible minutes, often devastating tired defences as a substitute. De Bruyne, now 35, was injured during the Senegal game — since his departure, Belgium have won twice and scored seven goals in roughly 130 minutes. Witsel, 37, has played just one minute in the knockout stages. The veterans are no longer carrying the team; they are delivering in decisive moments.
New stars rising
Manager Rudi Garcia deserves credit for blending youth with experience. Charles De Ketelaere, the 25-year-old Atalanta forward, has been the standout of the new guard. His relentless pressing and movement have created space for Lukaku’s late heroics. Defensively, the unit looks more solid, conceding only once in open play across the two knockout ties. This isn't a team reliant on fading superstars — it's a collective that understands its strengths.
The shift is evident: Belgium’s average age in the starting XI has dropped, and the energy levels are visibly higher. Young full-backs and midfielders are covering ground, allowing the creative veterans to pick their moments. Garcia’s system doesn't demand 90 minutes of magic from De Bruyne; instead, it asks for 30 minutes of world-class influence off the bench, if fit, or a carefully managed role that maximises his impact.
Quarter-final test against Spain
Now comes the ultimate examination. Belgium take on Spain for a place in the semi-finals on Friday (20:00 BST). The Spanish defence has yet to concede in the tournament, marshalled by the excellent Pau Cubarsí and protected by a midfield that dominates possession. But Belgium’s mix of physicality, speed on the counter, and big-game experience makes them dangerous underdogs.
Courtois will need to be at his imperious best. Lukaku’s clinical finishing could exploit any fatigue in the Spanish backline, and De Ketelaere’s work rate will be vital in unsettling Spain’s build-up. De Bruyne, if available, remains capable of a single pass that changes the tie. The question is whether the Red Devils can maintain their defensive discipline for 90 minutes — something they failed to do early against Senegal but managed superbly versus the USA.
Broadcast details for the match will vary by territory. Viewers are advised to check their local listings for official FIFA broadcast partners, as rights-holder information was not fully confirmed at the time of writing.
Key Takeaways
- Belgium’s golden generation is not dead; it has evolved into a supporting role for a new, energetic squad.
- Veterans Courtois, Lukaku, De Bruyne and Witsel remain crucial, but their minutes and responsibilities are now carefully managed.
- Charles De Ketelaere has emerged as a key figure, bringing pressing and dynamism that complement Lukaku’s finishing.
- The quarter-final against Spain is a massive test of whether this hybrid model can overcome a well-drilled, possession-based opponent.
- Belgium’s defensive improvements after the Senegal scare suggest they are peaking at the right time in the World Cup 2026.
Quick Facts
Belgium’s path to the quarter-finals: Beat Senegal 3-2 (after being 2-0 down), beat USA 4-1
Veteran contributions: Courtois (every minute), Lukaku (3 goals, <50% mins), De Bruyne (injured after Senegal), Witsel (1 min vs USA)
Next fixture: Spain vs Belgium, Friday, 20:00 BST
Spain’s defensive record this tournament: 0 goals conceded
Belgium’s recent World Cup history: Quarter-finals 2014, semi-finals 2018, group stage 2022
