Tactical Overview
Belgium will likely employ a 3-4-3 formation, focusing on possession-based football, with an average possession of 58% in qualifying. As the 2nd-ranked team in the FIFA rankings, they conceded only 6 goals in 10 qualifying matches, highlighting their defensive solidity.
Key Players
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Midfielder): De Bruyne is a crucial player for Belgium, known for his exceptional vision and passing ability, with 26 goals in 97 international appearances. The 35-year-old midfielder has consistently performed at a high level, earning him the IFFHS Men's World Best Playmaker award.
- Eden Hazard (Real Madrid, Forward): Hazard is a skilled and experienced forward, with 33 goals in 127 international appearances, and has been instrumental in Belgium's attacking play. The 31-year-old has won numerous titles, including the UEFA Europa League.
- Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Goalkeeper): Courtois is a world-class goalkeeper, known for his exceptional shot-stopping ability and distribution, with 101 international appearances. The 34-year-old has won several titles, including the La Liga and UEFA Champions League.
Tournament Prediction
Belgium is expected to reach the quarterfinals, given their strong squad depth and previous performances, having reached the semifinals in 2018. As one of the top-ranked teams, they will look to improve on their 2022 performance, where they were eliminated in the group stage, and make a deep run in the tournament.