#5
FIFA Ranking
14
WC Appearances
Third Place (2018)
Best Finish
2022
Last World Cup
Road to the 2026 World Cup
Belgium secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the Europe qualification pathway. As a UEFA representative, they were among 16 teams from their confederation to earn a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Currently ranked #5 in the FIFA World Rankings, Belgium enters the tournament as a championship contender team with expectations to compete at the highest level. With 14 previous World Cup appearances, they bring valuable tournament experience.
Group G Analysis
Belgium has been drawn in Group G and will face three opponents in the group stage. Each team plays 3 matches, with the top 2 advancing automatically and 8 best third-place teams also qualifying for the Round of 32.
Group G Opponents
Egypt
FIFA Ranking: #37 • Moderate opponent
Iran
FIFA Ranking: #20 • Strong opponent
New Zealand
FIFA Ranking: #101 • Challenging opponent
Group G Fixtures for Belgium
Match 13
Jun 15, 2026
Belgium
vs.
Egypt
Lumen Field, Seattle
Match 31
Jun 21, 2026
Belgium
vs.
Iran
SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Match 55
Jun 26, 2026
New Zealand
vs.
Belgium
BC Place, Vancouver
Tournament Outlook
Realistic Expectations
Advance from the group stage as winners and make a deep knockout run. Quarter-finals should be the minimum expectation, with the squad quality to reach the semi-finals or Final.
Best-Case Scenario
Win the FIFA World Cup 2026. The team has the talent, experience, and tactical quality to compete with any opponent and lift the trophy.
Key Challenges
Managing expectations and pressure from fans and media. Avoiding complacency against lower-ranked opponents while staying sharp for potential clashes with other elite teams.
Can Belgium Win the World Cup?
As a top-10 FIFA-ranked team, Belgium is absolutely in the conversation for winning the 2026 World Cup. Elite teams at this level have the squad depth, tactical sophistication, and big-match experience needed to go all the way.
With previous deep World Cup runs, Belgium has proven they can perform under pressure at the highest level. A favorable draw and strong form could see them lift the trophy.
World Cup History
Belgium has appeared in 14 FIFA World Cup tournaments, demonstrating their status as a regular competitor on the global stage.
Their best result was Third Place (2018), showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level of international football.
They last competed in the 2022 World Cup. As recent participants, they bring current tournament experience to 2026.
Multiple World Cup appearances have allowed Belgium to build experience and learn from both successes and setbacks on football's biggest stage.
Predict Belgium's Tournament Journey
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Belgium play at World Cup 2026?▾
Belgium will play their first group stage match on June 15, 2026 against Egypt. All three group stage matches will be completed by late June 2026, with knockout stage dates depending on their final group position.
Who is in Group G with Belgium?▾
Belgium has been drawn into Group G alongside Egypt, Iran and New Zealand. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top 2 teams automatically advancing to the Round of 32 and the 8 best third-place teams also qualifying.
What is Belgium's best World Cup finish?▾
Belgium's best World Cup finish is Third Place (2018). This represents their peak performance at the World Cup and demonstrates their ability to compete at the highest level of international football.
Can Belgium win the World Cup 2026?▾
Yes, Belgium is one of the genuine contenders to win the 2026 World Cup. Ranked #5 in the FIFA World Rankings, they have the squad quality, tournament experience, and tactical expertise to compete for the title. While winning the World Cup requires excellence across seven matches and some fortune with draws and injuries, Belgium certainly has the potential to lift the trophy.