Belgium were eliminated from Euro 2024 at the last 16 stage after losing 1-0 to rivals France in Dusseldorf. It means the ‘golden generation’ in Belgium has failed again to win a major trophy.
The former number-one ranked team in the FIFA world rankings has failed to reach a major tournament final since 1980. With the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard in their squad, a lot was expected from Belgium in the latest European Championship, but they now must dissect another early exit.
Big Stars Deliver for Clubs in Europe
Belgium’s leading players have performed at such a high level for their respective clubs in Europe but failed to transfer that same form across to international football. Their captain De Bruyne will now return to Manchester City, who are the 9/4 favourites in the football odds from Paddy Power to win the Champions League next season. He remains an integral part of the English champions’ team.
England are the 7/2 favourites in the bet on Euro 2024 outright betting. They too have failed in the past to make the most of a ‘golden generation’. In the ‘00s, the likes of David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Wayne Rooney were unable to win a major tournament. Since then, they have consistently reached the latter stage of big events under Gareth Southgate.
Belgium head coach Domenico Tedesco must now decide if to persist with many of his ‘golden generation’ or start building for the future by giving less experienced players in his squad the chance to shine. He will be hoping his country can replicate what the likes of England, France, and Italy have been able to achieve in recent years.
World Cup 2026 the Next Goal
Belgium will begin their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup in early 2025. They will find out their opponents for their qualification group in December when the draw is made at UEFA headquarters.
Axel Witsel came out of retirement to be included in Tedesco’s squad for Euro 2024. He is not going to be part of the World Cup campaign. At the age of 37, it is also likely to be defender Jan Vertonghen’s last involvement for the national team.
Although he failed to score a single goal at the UEFA European Championship, Lukaku should continue to be an important player for Belgium if they reach the World Cup in 2026. The 31-year-old has a big decision to make on his future this summer. He is being linked with a return to Serie A with Napoli and Inter Milan. His record in recent years is bettered by very few strikers across the leading leagues in Europe.
Belgium were eliminated following the group stage of the last World Cup in 2026. They now have two years to ensure they go into that tournament with the best chance of having success. Belgian fans will want to see much more from the number three-ranked team in the world rankings.
The UEFA Nations League will be Belgium’s next assignment. They begin their campaign against Israel on September 6 in Brussels.
