Belgium arrive at the 2026 World Cup for their 15th time, with a history stretching back to the inaugural tournament in Uruguay in 1930. They have never won the title and never reached a final, but the modern generation brought them closer than any side before them: third place in Russia in 2018, sealed with a two nil victory over England in the third place play off. Before that, fourth place in Mexico in 1986 remains their other summit, a run ended by Diego Maradona in the semifinal. This is a nation that has long produced elite talent without converting it into silverware, a tension that defines their World Cup identity.

Belgium topped UEFA Group J unbeaten across eight matches, accumulating five wins and three draws for 18 points, scoring 29 goals against just seven conceded and finishing two points clear of Wales. The campaign was not without drama: they squandered a three goal lead against Wales before Kevin De Bruyne steered in a winner in the 88th minute to make it four goals to three. They closed out the group on 11/18/25 with a seven nil demolition of Liechtenstein. De Bruyne led Belgium as the group's top scorer with six goals, and the side extended an unbeaten World Cup qualifying record stretching back to 2009.