Belgium's golden generation preparing for final act: Garcia to fulfil World Cup dream

21.05.2026 12:05 Teams & Players
It is probably the last realistic chance: When Belgium takes to the pitch in the summer of 2026 in North America, it will likely be the definitive chapter of that "golden generation" that has been counted among Europe's most talented squads for over a decade – and yet has never achieved the truly big success. Under new national team coach Rudi Garcia, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois now want to achieve what eluded them in Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022: a title or at least a final. Frenchman Garcia has taken the position during a difficult transitional phase. After the disappointing group stage exit in Qatar and the mediocre performance at Euro 2024 under Domenico Tedesco, it was clear: fresh impetus was needed, but also someone who would show respect to the remaining seasoned players. Garcia, once coach at Olympique Lyon, AS Roma and Naples, is regarded as a communicator – and that is precisely what the "Red Devils" seemed to be lacking lately. Sportingly, much still rests on the shoulders of Kevin De Bruyne. The midfield strategist, now 34 years old and active at a new club following his departure from Manchester, remains the creative heart. His connection with Lukaku, who regularly scores in Serie A, remains the attacking trump card. In goal is Thibaut Courtois, one of the world's best keepers, whose return to the national team after publicly aired differences with Tedesco was celebrated as something of a sensation. Garcia managed to bring the Real Madrid goalkeeper back – an important signal of reconciliation. But Belgium is more than just its stars of yesteryear. Players like Jérémy Doku, Johan Bakayoko, Charles De Ketelaere or the defensively strong Wout Faes are meant to bridge to a new era. Garcia is experimenting with a flexible back four and a variable midfield in which De Bruyne can operate as a second striker behind Lukaku. The idea: to 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 format with 48 teams, which reduced pressure but also brought new demands: more matches, longer journeys, greater physical strain – factors that could take their toll on an ageing core. Garcia knows this and is already planning with sophisticated rotation. The heat in cities like Dallas, Miami or Monterrey will also be a factor. Sportingly, Belgium is no longer considered a top favourite 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 outsider role could suit the Red Devils. Without the crushing pressure of expectations from previous years, but with the anger in the belly 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 too are unlikely to experience another major tournament. For them all, it is now or never. Rudi Garcia's task is to generate energy rather than paralysis from this pressure situation. If he succeeds, Belgium's golden generation could still write its deserved happy ending.