Belgiens goldene Generation vor dem letzten Akt: Garcia soll den WM-Traum erfüllen

21.05.2026 12:05 National Team

It is probably the last realistic chance: When Belgium takes the pitch in the summer of 2026 in North America, it will likely be the final chapter of that "golden generation" that has counted among Europe's most talented squads for over a decade – and yet never achieved the big breakthrough. Under new national team coach Rudi Garcia, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois now want to accomplish what eluded them in Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022: a title or at least a final. The Frenchman Garcia has taken over the position in a difficult transition phase. After the disappointing group stage exit in Qatar and the mediocre performance at Euro 2024 under Domenico Tedesco, it was clear: fresh wind was needed, but also someone who shows respect to the remaining veterans. Garcia, once coach at Olympique Lyon, AS Roma and Napoli, is regarded as a communicator – and that's exactly what seemed to be missing from the "Red Devils" lately.

Spielplan: Belgien

Mon, 15.06.2026	Lumen Field	BEL	EGY	- : -
Sun, 21.06.2026	SoFi Stadium	BEL	IRN	- : -
Sat, 27.06.2026	AT&T Stadium	NZL	BEL	- : -

Sportingly, much still rests on the shoulders of Kevin De Bruyne. The midfield strategist, now 34 years old and active at a new club after his departure from Manchester, remains the creative heartbeat. His connection with Lukaku, who regularly scores in Serie A, remains the offensive trump card. In goal stands Thibaut Courtois, one of the world's best keepers, whose return to the national team after publicly aired differences with Tedesco was celebrated as a minor sensation. Garcia managed to bring the Real Madrid keeper back – an important signal of reconciliation. But Belgium is more than just its stars from yesteryear. Players like Jérémy Doku, Johan Bakayoko, Charles De Ketelaere or the defensively strong Wout Faes are meant to bridge the gap to a new era. Garcia experiments with a flexible back four and a variable midfield in which De Bruyne can act as a playmaking forward behind Lukaku. The idea: combine experience and pace without tightening the corset too much. Qualification for the 2026 World Cup was solid, if not spectacular. Belgium benefited from the expanded field of 48 teams, which reduced the pressure but also brought new demands: more games, longer travels, higher physical strain – factors that could wear on an aging core. Garcia knows this and is already planning with sophisticated rotation. The heat in cities like Dallas, Miami or Monterrey will also be an issue. Sportingly, Belgium is no longer a top favorite as it was in 2018, when the team narrowly lost to France in the semi-final and finished third in the World Cup. But this underdog role could suit the Red Devils. Without the crushing expectations of previous years, but with the anger of a generation that knows this is their last stage, the team is certainly capable of a strong knockout round. De Bruyne has announced he will end his international career after the World Cup. Lukaku and Courtois are also unlikely to experience another major tournament. For them all, it's now or never. Rudi Garcia's task is to turn this pressure situation into energy rather than paralysis. If he succeeds, Belgium's golden generation could still write their deserved happy ending.