Belgium are hoping that their 'Golden Generation' can finally get their big breakthrough at the 2026 World Cup.
Some of the most talented players this century have represented the Red Devils on the international stage since the beginning of the 2010s, finishing third at the 2018 World Cup and reaching back-to-back quarter-finals at the European Championships in 2016 and 2020.
With many of those stars entering their twilight years, the 2026 World Cup appears to be a last chance at capturing international glory.
Now retired, Jan Vertonghen has earned the most caps for Belgium this century, representing his country a mammoth 157 times.
He, alongside former teammate at club level Toby Alderweireld, made up part of a brilliant defence that was further protected by Real Madrid shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois.
It's a list littered with top Premier League quality from the last decade, including Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne. The pair are considered to be two of the greatest to ever do it in England's top league and contributed heavily to Belgium being named the FIFA Team of the Year in 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021.
De Bruyne and Hazard fed into another former Premier League star in Romelu Lukaku, whose 93 goals makes him the all-time leading goalscorer for his national team.
Players with the most caps for Belgium since 2000
- Jan Vertonghen
- Axel Witsel
- Romelu Lukaku
- Toby Alderweireld
- Eden Hazard
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Thibaut Courtois
- Dries Mertens
- Timmy Simons
- Youri Tielemans
