Hazard: This Belgium Squad is a Blend of the 'Old Guard' and a New Generation Finding Their Belief

While Eden Hazard, having retired from professional football, now spends his days on the golf course, some members of Belgium's "golden generation" are gearing up for one last shot at World Cup glory. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, and Axel Witsel – all around 35 years old – are part of the squad set to face Egypt in Seattle on Monday, kicking off their 2026 World Cup campaign. In 2018, the Belgian team reached the semi-finals in Russia and topped the world rankings.

"There's no doubt Belgium is the best team in their group. But the first match is never easy," Hazard told FIFA's official website, adding: "The team is a mix of the 'old guard' and a new generation that's starting to believe in themselves. The fact that the boys aren't being touted as favorites will allow them to play with more freedom and composure. Expectations in Belgium are high, of course, but less so than in 2018 and 2022. Back then, we knew we had a fantastic group of players, playing for top clubs, winning trophies every year. We were all of a similar age and maturing at the same time. The World Cup is tough to win. Yes, we could have won it. We had a great run," the former Belgian international reflected.