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The Best Team That Never Won 🇧🇪 Belgium's Last Dance

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THE LOWDOWN — THE FULL HISTORY

THE GOLDEN GENERATION

De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku, Courtois: the most gifted squad Belgium ever produced. They were number one in the FIFA ranking, and are the only nation to top it without winning a World Cup or continental trophy.

THE PEAK

In 2014 they reached a quarter-final. In 2018 they knocked out Brazil 2-1 in the quarter-final, lost the semi-final to France 1-0 and finished third, their best-ever finish.

THE COLLAPSE

In 2022 they went out in the group stage, and coach Martínez resigned.

THE LAST DANCE

De Bruyne, Lukaku and Courtois returned for 2026 with a new wave behind them. Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1 in the group, Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the round of 32, and the USA 4-1 in the round of 16, with a De Ketelaere brace. Next: Spain in the quarter-final. Is this finally their time?

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THE TERRACES — DISCUSSION

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