Belgium’s opening day draw in the 2026 World Cup is by no means a bad start to the tournament. Past winners have started slowly, and tournament football has always been peaking at the right time. However, there are certainly areas where the Red Devils simply have to improve as the tournament progresses. There are also areas in which Rudi Garcia could, and probably should, make changes. Andre Onana may be the only change made by Garcia, but there are others. Ahead of their second group game against Iran, here are some things that could also change for Belgium.
Blood the new full-backs
Garcia opted for Thomas Meunier and Timothy Castagne in the opening game, but neither played particularly well. Despite their experience, they offered little going forward and were caught out at times by the counter attack of Egypt. If they can’t help going forward, and are getting caught out at the back, what are they offering?
It has long been time for Belgium to look for new options in these positions. Modern football has shown that the full-back is a crucial player in helping going forward. Garcia can easily make changes here, with Maxim De Cuyper and obvious option. Another would be Club Brugge defender Joaquin Seys. The 21-year-old had another fantastic season domestically and would certainly bring some energy to the team. Furthermore, young players are often less burdened by previous tournaments and play with more freedom.
What’s more, Egypt were excellent in shutting down Jeremy Doku, albeit it with quite a few fouls that were not given. Belgium looked overly reliant on the brilliance of Doku to create, so having full-backs that can get up and support him by taking away defenders will benefit Belgium going forward.
Time to drop Trossard?
Garcia said after the game he with happy with Leandro Trossard. The Arsenal man didn’t really pass the eye test though. He struggled to help Belgium break down a disciplined Egyptian defence, and another option outside of Doku would really help balance the Belgian side and give Kevin De Bruyne more options to stretch teams with his passing. Belgium don’t have the options that they used to out wide, but they do have a young Diego Moreira who has shown glimpses of what he can do. Dodi Lukebakio hasn’t had a great season for Benfica, but when it comes to Belgium, the 28-year-old always seems to deliver. In his last five games for Belgium he has four goals.
Risk Lukaku or give Fernandez-Pardo a start?
Another option for Belgium and Garcia would be to stick Charles De Ketelaere out wide. The 25-year-old struggled as a central striker. In truth, CDK has always looked better playing off another striker or out wide, rather than as a focal forward. Romelu Lukaku made an instant impact off the bench, but he clearly isn’t fit enough to start just yet having missed so much football. He should be given another 30/40 minutes against Iran, but to start, Garcia could bring in Fernandez-Pardo. The 21-year-old looked okay in the brief time he had on the pitch, and with Lukauk’s prime coming to an end in the next few years, giving Fernandez-Pardo more chances at the World Cup could only be beneficial.
Belgium will expect to beat Iran. When the group was drawn, many considered Egypt to be their biggest threat. However, the concerns are still there. Egypt showed more desire to win than Belgium during the 90 minutes and caused the Red Devils plenty of problems. Iran have a lot to play for on and off the pitch, so will likely bring the same intensity and desire to the game. Slipping up may not be the end of their World Cup, but the expectations at the start of the tournament were that Belgium would win their group. They still should, but perhaps some changes along the way could turn this from being a decent tournament to a good tournament, with pieces put in place that will help Belgium have success in the future.
