Belgium

🌍 World Cup Story

Belgium's "golden generation" — built around De Bruyne, Lukaku, Hazard, and others who all emerged around 2010–2015 — was ranked World Number 1 by FIFA for a record 1,000+ days. Their peak came at the 2018 World Cup in Russia: they defeated Brazil and England to claim third place — their best result ever. In 2022 they exited in the group stage, ending one of the most hyped generations without a title. The core players have aged but De Bruyne (Manchester City) and Lukaku remain world-class. A new generation is emerging alongside them. Belgium has been a World Cup regular since 1986 (eight consecutive appearances), with their previous best being fourth in 1986. The pressure to finally win something before this golden era fully ends is immense.