On Thursday, the Red Devils' – the national Belgian football team – have unveiled their 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which is set to start in less than 2 weeks' time.
On 23 November, Belgium will debut their World Cup campaign by facing Canada in the first group match. The players to represent the Belgian flag in Qatar were announced by manager Roberto Martinez at a press conference on Thursday.
The most surprising inclusion was Belgium's record goal scorer Romelu Lukaku – whose participation was in doubt due to persistent injuries.
Martinez stated that as the competition is played in two phases – the group stages and the knockout round – it is important to have a player of Lukaku's experience and quality within the squad, despite the fact he will not be able to play in the group stages.
But the coach's choices also seemed to reflect a willingness to bring fresh faces in the Belgian squad, given that certain members of the country's golden generation are heading into the twilight of their careers.
As was the case for Euro 2020, each participating nation is allowed an additional three players, which brings the total number to 26.
Among those who will be making their debut in an international competition are young defenders Zeno Debast, the 19-year-old playing for Anderlecht, the 22-year-old Arthur Theate and 24-year-old Wout Faes.
Furthermore, Amadou Onana, Charles De Ketelaere and Lois Openda, all between the ages of 21 and 22, have been selected in midfield and attack.
The full Belgian squad list
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels.
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Leander Dendoncker, Wout Faes, Arthur Theate, Zeno Debast.
Wingers : Thomas Meunier, Timothy Castagne, Yannick Carrasco, Thorgan Hazard.
Midfielders : Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, Hans Vanaken, Kevin De Bruyne.
Strikers: Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Michy Batshuayi, Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, Dries Mertens, Lois Openda, Leandro Trossard.
Reserves: Jason Denayer, Alexis Saelemaekers, Bryan Heynen et Dodi Lukabekio.
