Belgium

Belgium

Belgium (BEL)

Overview

Belgium's national team represents one of European football's most talented squads. Nicknamed the Red Devils, Belgian players experienced meteoric rise over the past decade, reaching FIFA ranking's number one spot in 2015 and maintaining it for several years. This golden generation, composed of players competing in Europe's biggest leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, marked Belgian football history.

Belgium plays its home matches at Brussels' legendary King Baudouin Stadium, a 50,000-capacity venue vibrating in red, yellow, and black colors. The team regularly participates in World Cup and Euro final phases, achieving excellent results in recent years.

The Red Devils' journey during the 2018 World Cup in Russia remains engraved in memories. Led by stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Romelu Lukaku, the Belgian team reached semi-finals before securing bronze medal by beating England. This performance confirmed Belgium's status among world football's major nations.

Recent Belgian national team history is intimately linked to its golden generation. Players trained in Belgian academies or emigrating young to major European clubs built an exceptional squad. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, defenders Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel, plus forwards Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku formed this legendary team's backbone.

Belgium possesses rich football tradition. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), founded in 1895, is one of the world's oldest federations. The country hosted the European Championship in 1972 and 2000 (co-hosted with Netherlands), demonstrating its importance in European football landscape.

The Red Devils also shone at Euro 2020 (played in 2021), reaching quarter-finals as tournament favorites. Despite elimination against Italy, future European champions, Belgium confirmed its place among Europe's best teams. The Belgian team stands out for spectacular offensive play and ability to produce exceptional talents.

Belgian football development relies on a high-performing training system. Clubs like Anderlecht, Club Brugge, and Standard Liège played crucial roles in young talent training. These clubs regularly participate in the Champions League and proudly represent Belgian colors on the European stage.

The Belgian national team continues attracting attention with emerging new talents. Players like Jérémy Doku, Youri Tielemans, and Charles De Ketelaere embody the golden generation's succession. The current manager works to maintain excellence while progressively integrating these promising young hopes into the group.

Belgian supporters, known for passion and loyalty, create unique atmosphere during home matches. Red Devils' away trips attract thousands of fans coloring stadiums in national colors. This popular fervor testifies to football's importance in Belgian culture and citizens' deep attachment to their national team.

With modern infrastructure, talent pool, and major competition experience, Belgium remains a major European and world football nation. Ambitions remain intact: winning a major trophy and definitively inscribing Belgium's name in world or European champions' pantheon.

FAQ

General Information

Founded: 1895
Stadium: King Power at Den Dreef Stadion
Official Website: www.rbfa.be