Belgium eager to set the record straight at the 2026 World Cup

Belgium’s recent World Cup warm-up matches highlighted why wagering on them to lift the trophy this summer is a risky proposition.

The Red Devils defeated the United States 5-2 on last Saturday – a result which sparked talk that odds of 28/1 to win the World Cup represented good value. However, an underwhelming 1-1 draw with Mexico on Tuesday highlighted why punters would be well advised to consider betting on other gambling verticals.

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With Belgium continuing to produce unpredictable performances on the international stage, diversifying your betting entertainment through casino-style gaming could prove just as engaging as following the fortunes of the Red Devils.

Read on as we look at their latest friendlies, before assessing their chances of finally winning major silverware this summer.

Belgium flatter to deceive in North America

Belgium handed the US a wake-up call at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, recovering from a goal down to secure an impressive 5-2 victory.

Dodi Lukebakio (2), Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana and Charles De Ketelaere were on target as Rudi Garcia’s side ran riot in front of a partisan home crowd.

Belgium were without Romelu Lukaku, Leandro Trossard, Hans Vanaken and Thibaut Courtois, but shrugged off their absences with a polished display.

The subsequent outing against Mexico at Soldier Field in Chicago highlighted why sports bettors should adopt a cautious approach to wagering on Belgium this summer.

Lukebakio’s stunning equaliser in the 46th minute was the standout moment in a low-key affair featuring two teams who have lofty ambitious.

Jeremy Doku’s late effort could have handed Belgium an undeserved victory, but that outcome would have been harsh on the World Cup co-hosts.

Belgium will be hoping to improve when they play friendlies against Croatia and Tunisia in June, before their opening match of the tournament against Egypt on June 15.

Favourable draw boosts Belgium’s World Cup hopes

The Red Devils will face Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. They are overwhelming favourites to top the group.

Egypt have never won a match at the World Cup finals and they are unlikely to break their duck when they face Belgium in Seattle.

Intriguingly, Egypt have won three of their four previous meetings with Belgium, but all of those fixtures were international friendlies.

They recently came up short at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), continuing a trend of underperforming in major tournaments.

Forward Mohamed Salah will be eager to make his mark at the World Cup, but Belgium should have little to fear if their top players produce their best form.

Iran and New Zealand will be keen to upset the odds against the Red Devils as they strive to progress to the knockout stage for the first time.

However, Belgium should finish top of Group G without breaking sweat.

Past disappointments may weigh heavily this summer

Belgium will be aiming to take inspiration from their 2018 performance, when they finished third in the tournament held in Russia.

The subsequently suffered an early exit at Qatar 2022, which ultimately marked the end of the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ era.

Courtois, Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard are amongst the stars who ultimately failed to get the job done for Belgium in major tournaments.

They are the only nation who have topped FIFA’s world rankings without winning a trophy, which is a sorry statistic given the talent they have had at their disposal.

A last-16 defeat against France at the 2024 European Championship was a low point for a nation which was close to achieving something special.

While Garcia has now steadied the ship, the performances in the friendlies against the US and Mexico showcased familiar issues.

Belgium can be brilliant when everything clicks into place, but they still have an uncanny knack of producing uninspiring performances.

A quick look at the outright betting for the World Cup adds further fuel to the notion that Belgium may struggle to break their duck in a major tournament this summer:

• Spain – 9/2
• England – 11/2
• France – 6/1
• Brazil – 8/1
• Argentina – 8/1
• Germany – 11/1
• Portugal – 11/1
• Netherlands – 18/1
• Norway – 22/1
• Belgium – 28/1
• Bar – 40/1

Of the nine teams ahead of them in the outright market, six of them have lifted the trophy. Uruguay and Italy are the only other nations to achieve the feat.

History is undoubtedly against Belgium, while their proclivity for failing on the biggest stage may weigh heavily on their shoulders this summer.

Belgium are capable of going toe-to-toe with the best teams in the world. However, when the heat is on in North America, they will probably flatter to deceive again.

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