FIFA World Cup 2026 Belgium: Schedule, How to Watch, History & Record
Belgium is back at the World Cup. The Red Devils will play in North America from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This is their 15th World Cup and fourth in a row.
Rudi Garcia took charge in January 2025. He has Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois and Romelu Lukaku at his disposal. The squad is transitioning but still loaded with quality.
Belgium World Cup 2026 Schedule (Local Time)
Belgium is in Group G with Egypt, Iran and New Zealand. All three group games are in June. The times below are in Belgian local time (CEST).
| Date | Match | Venue | Belgian Time (CEST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2026 | Belgium vs Egypt | Lumen Field, Seattle | 21:00 |
| June 21, 2026 | Belgium vs Iran | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | 21:00 |
| June 26, 2026 | New Zealand vs Belgium | BC Place, Vancouver | 05:00 |
The first two games kick off at 9 PM Belgian time. The third game is the tricky one. Belgian fans will need to be up at 5 AM on June 27 to catch it live.
Iran update: Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup is currently in serious doubt due to ongoing military conflict in the Middle East. FIFA is monitoring the situation. This page will be updated as news develops.
How to Watch the World Cup 2026 in Belgium
RTBF holds exclusive broadcast rights in Belgium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The broadcaster will show all 104 matches free of charge. No other broadcaster in Belgium has tournament rights so every household can watch every match for free.
VRT and Sporza cover the Dutch-speaking community with the same free access. Both broadcasters will carry pre-match shows, expert analysis and full commentary for every Belgium game.
Live Streaming Options for Belgium Fans
RTBF Auvio streams all RTBF channels live including La Une. Users need a free account to watch. The app works on iOS, Android, Smart TV and desktop.
Dutch-speaking fans use VRT Max at vrtmax.be. It is also free after registration and works on all devices.
FIFA+ is a free option for highlights and select coverage with no subscription needed.
Fans traveling outside Belgium during the tournament may face geo-blocks on Auvio and VRT Max. A VPN connecting to a Belgian server can restore access to your home stream while abroad. Always check your broadcaster’s terms before using one.
How to Listen to the World Cup 2026 in Belgium
Both RTBF and VRT carry live radio commentary for all Belgium matches. RTBF La Premiere and Vivacite serve French-speaking fans on FM, DAB+ and the Auvio app. Sporza Radio is the top pick for Dutch speakers and is available on FM, DAB+ and the VRT Max app.
Belgium World Cup History & Record
Belgium played at the very first World Cup in 1930. They were one of only 13 nations at that inaugural tournament in Uruguay. Here is a quick look at their overall record.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Appearances | 14 (2026 will be 15th) |
| Best Finish | 3rd place (2018, Russia) |
| All-Time Record | W18 D10 L17 |
| All-Time Top Scorer | Romelu Lukaku (89 goals) |
| Most Capped Player | Jan Vertonghen (157 caps) |
The 2018 World Cup in Russia was Belgium’s best tournament. Roberto Martinez led the team to the semifinals. They beat Brazil 2-1 in the quarterfinals. France knocked them out 1-0 in the semis. Belgium then beat England 2-0 in the third-place playoff.
One of the great moments of that run was the Round of 16 against Japan. Belgium were 2-0 down but fought back through Vertonghen and Fellaini before Nacer Chadli scored in the 94th minute to complete a 3-2 comeback.
The 2022 campaign in Qatar was a letdown. Belgium finished third in their group and went home in the group stage.
Belgium World Cup Predictions and Analysis
Belgium qualified by finishing top of UEFA Group J. Their campaign ended with a 7-0 win over Liechtenstein on the final matchday.
Group G is a good draw. Egypt with Mo Salah is the real test. New Zealand is the weakest team in the group. The Iran situation is still developing.
Belgium are 4/9 favorites to top Group G and as short as 1/66 to progress from the group stage.
Strengths: Courtois in goal is world-class. De Bruyne runs the midfield. Doku and Trossard bring pace and creativity on the wings. Lukaku leads the attack.
Weaknesses: Belgium conceded five goals across two qualifying games against Wales which exposed their defensive fragility. Garcia also has no international tournament experience as a head coach.
A quarterfinal exit is a realistic outcome. A deeper run is possible if the defense holds and key players stay fit.
Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs
Does Belgium need a visa to attend World Cup matches in the USA?
Belgian citizens do not need a visa for short stays in the US. Belgium is part of the Visa Waiver Program. Travel with a valid passport and an approved ESTA from esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Can Belgian fans buy tickets for the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. FIFA sells tickets at fifa.com/tickets. The FIFA Ticket Resale platform is the only safe secondary option. Avoid third-party resellers as fake tickets are common at major tournaments.
Is there a fan zone in Belgium for the World Cup?
Fan zones are set up by local authorities and the RBFA. Check rbfa.be and your city’s event pages closer to June 2026 for confirmed screening locations.
What is Belgium’s nickname and why?
Belgium’s national team is called the Red Devils. The name comes from their traditional red home kit. Supporters have used the nickname since the early 20th century and it is now official.
How many Belgian players have appeared at four World Cups?
Enzo Scifo and Franky Van der Elst both appeared in four World Cups and set the Belgian record. Marc Wilmots later equalled that mark.
What is Belgium’s biggest World Cup group stage win?
Belgium beat Tunisia 5-2 at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. That result stands as one of their highest-scoring World Cup victories.
Will Kevin De Bruyne play at the 2026 World Cup?
De Bruyne suffered a serious hamstring injury in October 2025 at Napoli. His recovery timeline was set at a minimum of four months. His fitness for June 2026 has not been officially confirmed. Belgian fans are watching his progress closely.
