In recent years, Belgium have regularly been considered either favourites or dark horses at major tournaments. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, they finished third, following a quarter-final exit four years earlier in Brazil. However, the era of Belgium's 'golden generation' – led by players such as Eden Hazard and Vincent Kompany – is now largely over. While Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois remain part of the squad, today’s star players are more likely to be Jérémy Doku, Youri Tielemans, or Leandro Trossard.
Belgium's main concern this year is their defence, which lacks experience at the very highest level. Luxembourg captain Laurent Jans, who knows Belgian football well after helping SK Beveren earn promotion to Belgium's top division this season, says his Belgian club teammates are not particularly optimistic ahead of the World Cup.
"In the Beveren dressing room, my Belgian teammates are rather pessimistic. They feel the team simply is not defensively stable enough. They have quality going forward, but defensively it could get more difficult. I do think they will get through their group, but after that it could come down to a bit of luck. I must admit, I have not heard much excitement about the World Cup in Belgium this year."Laurent Jans
Belgium will likely be battling Egypt for top spot in Group G. Unsurprisingly, Egypt’s biggest star is Mohamed Salah, who spent the summer out of contract after his spell at Liverpool. The Egyptians also have Manchester City's Omar Marmoush, offering additional firepower up front. Following a fourth-place finish at this year's Africa Cup of Nations, Salah, Marmoush, and their teammates will be aiming at least for the round of 16 – a goal Laurent Jans believes is within their reach.
"In my view, Egypt are the group favourites after Belgium. Compared to Iran and New Zealand, Egypt are clearly expected to progress. Plus, some of the best third-placed teams will also go through."Laurent Jans
Although Iran have qualified for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, uncertainty remains over whether they will actually participate. Due to ongoing military tensions with the US, an initial boycott was under discussion. With just two weeks to go before the tournament kicks off, Iranian players have not yet received visas to enter the US or Mexico. According to the Iranian Football Federation, they have written to FIFA but have not yet received a response.
