2026 World Cup: The Red Devils en route for the US ahead of tournament campaign

Belgium’s Red Devils took off for Seattle aboard a Brussels Airlines flight on Monday ahead of their 2026 World Cup campaign.

The 26 players selected for the national team were accompanied by a delegation of staff and their head coach, Frenchman Rudi Garcia.

They are among 48 teams competing in the 23rd World Cup, which is hosted by Canada, the US and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.

From their training base on the west coast of the US, the Red Devils will be preparing for their first match in Group G against Egypt in Seattle on 15 June at 21.00 (Belgian time).

They then face Iran on 21 (21.00) in Los Angeles before playing the final group fixture against New Zealand on 27 June in Vancouver (5 .00).

Currently ranked ninth in the world, Belgium’s World Cup squad consists of a blend of former “golden generation” players, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and a new wave of talent, notably 24-year-old Jérémy Doku of Manchester City.

The team, whose strength lies in their attacking potential is captained by Youri Tielemans. They qualified for the tournament by overcoming Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein. But they also drew twice against North Macedonia and once in Kazakhstan.

In their final friendly match before the start of the tournament on 6 June, the Red Devils recorded a 5-0 win over Tunisia. Garcia cautioned his team afterwards to not be complacent. “But okay, we have gained confidence, and everyone has been able to get some minutes. Morale is pretty much at maximum. And I think we can do even better,” he said.

The Belgian national team reached the quarter final of the World Cup in 2014 and the semi final in 2018 but failed to get out of the group stage in 2022.

Brussels Football Village

Football fans in the Belgian capital can follow the action at the pop-up Football Village in Place Wiener in Watermael-Boitsfort.

The Village is now in its fifth edition. “The international fan zone welcomes supporters from all nations in a festive, friendly, and family-oriented atmosphere,” said organisers.

During the matches shown on a giant screen, fans can enjoy refreshments at the neighbouring Guinguette Boitsfort.

Access to the fan zone is free, except for the Red Devils’ matches when an entrance fee will be charged to avoid overcrowding.

Due to the time difference between the host countries (US, Canada and Mexico) and Belgium, matches kicking off after 23.00 local time will not be broadcast.

The Village kicks off with the screening of the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa on 11 June at 17.00.

Photos: Belgian Red Devils at Brussels National Airport ©Facebook page; Tunisia match ©RBFA; Place Wiener ©Football Village