Belgium's World Cup 2022 squad: Who was left out of the Belgium World Cup squad?

Belgium's World Cup 2022 squad: Who was left out of the Belgium World Cup squad?

Lenah Ann
updated at August 9, 2023 at 9:30 AM

Belgium's World Cup 2022 squad has been finally announced, and fans are more eager to watch their favourite players on Qatar's grounds, while Roberto Martinez, their coach, trusts his roster of 26 players to fulfil their potential and bring the Cup home finally. However, will it be enough to win the tournament for the golden generation?

Belgium's World Cup 2022 squad
Team Belgium during the UEFA Nations League A Group 4 match against Poland at the Stade Roi Baudouin on 8 June 2022 in Brussels, Belgium. Photo: Joris Verwijst
Source: Getty Images

When Roberto Matinez succeeded Marc Wilmots during the Euro 2016, his message to the World was simple: Belgium could win the World Cup with this group of players. His intent resonated with the Belgian FA's hierarchy, and how the Spaniard led the Red Devils to third place in 2018 with a dazzling display against Brazil.

Belgium's World Cup 2022 squad: Who is in and who is out?

The World's number one between September 2018 and February 2021, Belgium remains one of the most probable potential winners in the 2022 Qatar event, regardless of their somewhat underwhelming recent form.

The national football team has made 13 World Cup appearances but has yet to lift the coveted Cup, with a third place in Russia in 2018. Since the release of the Belgium World Cup 2022 squad list, fans have been particular about wanting to know if big names like Lukaku and De Bruyne are on the list.

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In fact, among the most people-ask questions as of November 2022 regarding the Wold Cup is if Kevin De Bruyne is playing in the 2022 World Cup? And the answer could be, how can he miss on the front line?

However, even though the Red Devils have had some of the most talented players of the decade, Martinez dropped some names from his final squad of 26. Some of the names excluded are:

Player's name

Club

Dodi Lukebakio

Hertha

Albert Sambi Lokonga

Arsenal

Jason Denayer

Lyon

Alexis Saelemaekers

AC Milan

Divock Origi

AC Milan

Belgium's World Cup 2022 squad
The squad led by Kevin De Bruyne poses for a photo near the new Brussels Airlines Belgian Icon Trident plane at the Zaventem airport on 15 November 2022. Photo: Kenzo Tribouillard
Source: Getty Images

Belgium's final squad for World Cup 2022

The golden generation of Belgium gets what appears to be its last chance to put on a World Cup show as their coach, Roberto Martinez, leads his squad into the 2022 tournament in Qatar. They were paired with Canada, Croatia and Morocco in the group stages and will fancy their chances of getting to the round of 16.

Goalkeepers

The best goalie of the 2018 World Cup series, Real Madrid's legend Thibaut Courtois, has been chosen as the first shot-stopper to retain the golden glove. Other legendary goalies like Simon Mignolet will back him up.

Player's name

Club

Thibaut Courtois

Real Madrid

Simon Mignolet

Club Brugge

Koen Casteels

Wolfsburg

Defenders

At Roberto Matinez's disposal, he has some of the most experienced Belgium defensive options, which include names like Dortmund's Thomas Meunier and Timothy Castagne of Leicester City.

Belgium World Cup 2022 jersey
Dries Mertens celebrates after scoring the 2-0 goal during the UEFA Nations League group stage match against England on 15 November 2020 in Leuven, Belgium. Photo: Vincent Van Doornick
Source: Getty Images

Player's name

Club

Toby Alderweireld

Antwerp

Arthur Theate

Rennes

Zeno Debast

Anderlecht

Jan Vertonghen

Anderlecht

Thomas Meunier

Dortmund

Timothy Castagne

Leicester City

Wout Faes

Leicester City

Midfielders

Not only is Belgium known for producing some of the best defenders, but also in the midfield department. Famous names such as Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, and Youri Tielemans can attest to that.

Player's name

Club

Axel Witsel

Atletico Madrid

Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City

Youri Tielemans

Leicester City

Yannick Carrasco

Atletico Madrid

Leandro Trossard

Brighton

Amadou Onana

Everton

Leander Dendoncker

Aston Villa

Hans Vanaken

Club Brugge

Thorgan Hazard

Dortmund

Attackers

Romelu Lukaku, who is obviously, among Belgium's starting 11, is the all-time goalscorer Roberto could choose without compromise. Although he has faced some severe injuries, especially during this 2022/23 season, he is still optimistic about fighting for the coveted trophy.

Belgium's starting 11
Romelu Lukaku of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match against UC Sampdoria at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on 29 October 2022 in Milan, Italy. Photo: Jonathan Moscrop
Source: Getty Images

Of course, Lukaku will not be the only attacker in the squad, as there is plenty of fresh talent coming through as well.

Player's name

Club

Romelu Lukaku

Inter

Lois Openda

Lens

Eden Hazard

Real Madrid

Dries Mertens

Galatasaray

Charles De Ketelaere

AC Milan

Michy Batshuayi

Fenerbahce

Jeremy Doku

Rennes

Who is the captain of Belgium 2022?

Eden Hazard captains Belgium's National Football team. The attacking midfielder allegedly has a lot to offer Belgium at the World Cup and is confident he can prove his detractors wrong. However, the 31-year-old legendary soccer player compared the situation to the European Championship in 2020, when he also competed, lacking game time.

Like at the last Euros, I gained minutes in the first matches and was in the quarter-final against Portugal. Our medical and technical staff will help me be ready.
I feel good physically. Of course, I miss rhythm. That is why the last practice match against Egypt was important. Then I want to be there for the first match in Qatar.
Belgium World Cup 2022 jersey
Eden Hazard of Real Madrid looks on prior to the La Liga Santander match against Rayo Vallecano at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas on 7 November 2022 in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Angel Martinez
Source: Getty Images

Full name

Eden Michael Walter Hazard

Date of birth

7 January 1991

Place of birth

La Louviere, Belgium

Age

31 years of age as of November 2022

Nationality

Belgian

Current team

Real Madrid

Position

Winger, attacking midfielder

Number

7

Who is Belgium's manager for the 2022 World Cup?

As of 2022, Roberto Martinez manages the squad. He is one coach who has developed a good and conducive relationship among his players. He has supported them greatly since he was made their coach in 2016.

He has also managed other teams, including Swansea City, Wigan Athletic, and Everton. Therefore, his players trust that he is the best coach they have ever had.

Full name

Roberto Martinez Montoliu

Date of birth

13 July 1973

Place of birth

Balaguer, Spain

Age

49 years of age as of November 2022

Nationality

Spanish

Current team

Belgium's national football team

Position

Manager

Who is the captain of Belgium 2022?
Coach Roberto Martinez coaches his players during the UEFA Nations League A Group 4 match against Wales at the Stade Roi Baudouin on 22 September 2022 in Brussels, Belgium. Photo: Joris Verwijst
Source: Getty Images

How many players are Belgium allowed to take to the 2022 World Cup?

In the upcoming Qatar event, national managers were allowed to only bring 26 players to last summer's European Championship for the first time at a major tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic measures put.

Just like any other national team, Belgium's World Cup 2022 squad awaits the big event in Qatar. With Roberto Martinez as their manager, the players are optimistic about bringing the coveted Cup back home. World Cup awaits.

READ ALSO: Belgium's national football team players, coach, FIFA world rankings, WORLD CUP 2022

Sportsbrief earlier published an article about Belgium's national football team. It is one of the best in its history. Although they have never won trophies, the team has produced some extraordinary performances since debuting on the scene.

The side is full of world-class players, from Eden Hazard to Kevin De Bruyne to Romelu Lukaku. It has competed for the top trophies, having been ranked as the best national side in the World for a while now. Click here to find more information about the national football team.

Authors
Lenah Ann photo
Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.