Team under reconstruction, Italian-German coach, track record… 5 things to know about Belgium

No major titles

A (nearly) blank record. Born one hundred and twenty years ago, the Belgian selection has not won any major title in its entire history, except for the 1920 Olympic Games, played at home in Antwerp. It has nevertheless shone on several occasions in major international competitions. In 1986 (4^e) and in 2018 (3^e), the Red Devils reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, but failed to qualify for the final match. And in 1980, they lost in the European Championship final to West Germany (2-1). Furthermore, they have already reached the semi-finals of the Nations League, in 2020-2021, and were eliminated at that stage by… the French team (2-3).

A favorable record against the Blues

Amazing. Throughout their history, Belgium and France have faced each other seventy-six times, mainly in friendly matches. And as surprising as it may seem, the record is (slightly) favourable to the Red Devils who have won thirty times against twenty-seven for their French neighbours (nineteen draws). But for the moment, in major international competitions, it is the Blues who have the advantage. We can cite among others the victory in the match for third place at the 1986 World Cup (4-2 after extra time), the legendary semi-final of the 2018 World Cup (1-0) or the recent round of 16 of Euro 2024 (1-0).

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A team under reconstruction

Like Italy, Belgium has started a new cycle. After the failure of Euro 2024, some aging key players are missing from this September gathering such as Jan Verthongen – who retired from international football this summer -, Axel Witsel, Yannick Carrasco, Leandro Trossard or Thibaut Courtois, still on bad terms with Domenico Tedesco, and Romelu Lukaku who needed a rest following his hectic summer. Three new young players have been integrated: Genoa CFC central defender Koni De Winter, Celtic FC midfielder Arne Engels (suspended against France) and the (very) promising BV Borussia 09 Dortmund winger Julien Duranville. A (small) rejuvenation that aims to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

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A (young) Italian-German coach

After Roberto Martinez, who led the national team between 2016 and 2022, the Belgian federation has entrusted the reins of the Red Devils to another foreign coach: Domenico Tedesco. The Italian-German, aged just 38, cut his teeth at FC Schalke 04 between 2017 and 2019. With the “Royal Blues”, he finished second in the Bundesliga in 2017-2018, behind the untouchable FC Bayern Munich. He then continued his career at FK Spartak Moscow (2019-2021), with whom he was (also) crowned Premier League vice-champion in 2020-2021. Before joining RB Leipzig (2021-2022)… and winning the German Cup in 2021-2022. Great results that caught the attention of the Belgian leaders. Under contract until July 2026, the man who is known for having a fairly modern style has the task of doing better than his predecessor, namely, reaching the final, or even winning the 2026 World Cup. Difficult.

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Leading Group 2 of League A

Belgium and France are facing off this Monday evening (8:45 p.m.) at the Groupama Stadium (Lyon) as part of the second day of the Nations League group stage. And for now, the Red Devils are leading Group 2 of League A, tied with Italy, after their victory over Israel (3-1) last Friday. A victory obtained thanks to a double from Kevin De Bruyne and a goal from Youri Tielemans. In the event of a victory against Les Bleus, they could take a great option with a view to the quarter-finals (the first two are qualified). And put Didier Deschamps and his men in great difficulty. Suffice to say that there is a lot at stake… and that this match should not be missed.

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