New Era for Belgium: Less Expectation, More Potential at World Cup

Belgium’s journey to the upcoming World Cup features a familiar core of stars, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and talisman Kevin De Bruyne, alongside veterans like Romelu Lukaku and Axel Witsel. However, the team’s future success is increasingly entrusted to a new wave of talent.

This emerging generation, featuring players such as Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, and Manchester City’s dynamic Jeremy Doku, has stepped into crucial roles. Tielemans has even taken over captaincy from De Bruyne, signaling a shift in leadership and reliance.

Unlike the “golden generation” that carried immense expectations for nearly a decade without securing major silverware, this current squad appears liberated. Recent stumbles, including an early exit from the last World Cup in Qatar and a last-16 departure from Euro 2024, have recalibrated external expectations. This lowered profile, combined with an unbeaten qualifying campaign and a favorable group draw featuring Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand, could allow Belgium to quietly build momentum.

Under the guidance of new coach Rudi Garcia, who took the helm in early 2025, the team has the opportunity to exceed expectations. The departure of iconic players like Eden Hazard and Vincent Kompany has paved the way for this new chapter. It’s an ironic twist of fate that a generation less burdened by hype might just achieve what their predecessors could not.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda) https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/world-cup/belgium-s-new-generation-no-longer-bear-burden-of-expectation-at-world-cup-5485240