A history of the Belgium at the World Cup

What is Belgium’s history at the World Cup? Read here for Belgium’s World Cup record, top World Cup scorers, and their biggest World Cup wins.

It’s fair to say Belgium’s history at the World Cup is mixed. They are far from perennial contenders, yet they have enjoyed periods where they were among the best teams in the world – and certainly rank among the best teams never to win the World Cup.

If you think The Red Devils are entering another golden era, and you’re backing Belgium to impress and excite this time around, discover the latest World Cup betting odds for all their matches. Or read on for their record to date!

What is Belgium’s World Cup record?

Belgium 40/1 have qualified for 15 World Cups, including the 2026 edition. Their best showing was a third-placed finish in 2018, outdoing the fourth place they registered in 1986. Despite failing to qualify in 2006 and 2010, the Red Devils were considered legitimate contenders in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions, but ultimately underachieved with their golden generation.

Belgium have won 21 of their 51 World Cup matches with 10 draws and 20 defeats. They have a -5 goal difference after 14 World Cup entries, and have only won a knockout match at three of their 14 World Cup appearances. 

A recap of Belgium’s 2018 World Cup campaign

Belgium made light work of a group with Tunisia, England, and Panama to top the section. A last-gasp goal from Nacer Chadli sealed a dramatic come-from-behind 3-2 win against Japan in the round of 16 before a historic win over Brazil in the quarter-finals.

A matchup with France followed in the semis: a goal from Samuel Umtiti in the 51st minute ended up being the only time either team found the net, and ended Belgium’s World Cup dreams. 

It was the most talented Belgium squad in World Cup history, with Thibaut Courtois, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Romelu Lukaku making up the core of the side. On paper, there was a compelling case to be made that Belgium had the strongest squad in the tournament, with a mix of experience and truly elite performers. 

What is Belgium’s record against their group stage opponents?

Belgium have never faced New Zealand or Iran. They have matched up with Egypt in the past, though, with all four of their meetings being friendlies: Egypt hold three wins to Belgium’s one.

The nations last met in 2022, with Egypt running out 2-1 winners. In 2018, however, Belgium defeated Egypt 3-0 behind goals from Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku, and Eden Hazard.

Iconic Belgium World Cup memories

Belgium haven’t always produced the results their talent warranted at the World Cup, but the Red Devils’ fans still have plenty of happy memories to look back on.

Brazil Beaten in Kazan

When Belgium faced Brazil in the 2018 World Cup, Brazil had won the last three meetings, and Belgium hadn’t defeated the South American side since 1963. The Red Devils took control early on through an own goal from Fernandinho, and Kevin De Bruyne doubled the advantage on the half-hour mark. A second-half goal from Renato Augusto made it nervy, but Belgium held on to progress to their second ever World Cup semi-final. 

Shootout Win Over Spain

When Juan Señor scored an equaliser in the 85th minute in ‘86, Belgian hearts sank. A 1-1 score at the end of 90 minutes meant it was an extra half an hour, which ended without any further goals.

Playing in their first ever World Cup quarter-final, Belgium faced a penalty shootout. Señor converted the first for Spain, but Eloy Prendes missed Spain’s second spot kick, and Belgium converted all five of their efforts to book a place in the semis. 

Chadli’s Late-Winner

After cruising through the group stage at the 2018 World Cup, Belgium were 2-0 down to Japan in the round of 16 after goals from Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui. Jan Vertonghen and Marouane Fellaini scored within a five-minute period to level things up, but the lottery of extra time loomed with 90 minutes on the clock.

In the dying embers of stoppage time, Thibaut Courtois set De Bruyne free with a long throw, De Bruyne fed the ball to Thomas Meunier, who slid the ball across goal to Nacer Chadli. Belgium became the first team since 1966 to overturn a two-goal deficit inside 90 minutes in a World Cup knockout match.

Win Over Maradona’s Argentina

Playing in a packed Camp Nou, Belgium defeated Diego Maradona’s Argentina 1-0 in their first match of the 1982 World Cup.

Erwin Vandenbergh scored the only goal of the game. Belgium were coming off a runners-up placing at the Euros two years before, but it was still a major achievement. 

Overcoming Howard’s Heroics

Tim Howard made 15 saves (a World Cup record) when Belgium met the United States in the round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup. The game was goalless at the end of normal time, with Belgium finally making the breakthrough in the 93rd minute.

It was an excellent performance from the Belgians, with 39 shots on goal across the 120 minutes. The U.S. only had 10 shots across the first 105 minutes of action.

Belgium’s biggest World Cup wins

Belgium’s biggest World Cup wins were three-goal margins. They defeated El Salvador 3-0 in 1970, and had 5-2 and 3-0 wins over Tunisia and Panama, respectively, in 2018.

It’s no coincidence two of Belgium’s biggest wins came when the golden generation were at their strongest. Lukaku scored four goals across the two emphatic wins in 2018. 

Belgium’s biggest World Cup defeats

Belgium’s biggest World Cup defeats, like their biggest wins, are by three goals. They have lost by three goals on five occasions.

The United States and Poland recorded 3-0 wins over Belgium in 1930 and 1982, respectively, while Germany beat the Belgians 5-2 in 1934; and, in 1954 and 1970, Italy and the Soviet Union notched 4-1 wins.

Who has made the most World Cup appearances for Belgium?

Ten players have made 13 or more World Cup appearances for Belgium. Seven of those players have been involved in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cup campaigns, with Enzo Scifo, Jan Ceulemans, and Franky van der Elst as the only players from previous generations. 

Who has scored the most World Cup goals for the Belgium?

Marc Wilmots and Romelu Lukaku share the record for the most goals scored by a Belgian at the World Cup with five apiece. Jan Ceulemans is the only other Belgian player with more than three World Cup goals. 

Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Michy Batshuayi are players that could add to their World Cup tally in 2026. Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku is a candidate to play his way onto this list, as is Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard. Despite only having three international goals to his name, Loïs Openda is a player who could find the scoresheet multiple times in the upcoming World Cup. 

Can Belgium win their first World Cup this year?

As reflected in their World Cup winner odds, Belgium aren’t among the clear favourites for the tournament like they were in 2018 and 2022. They should easily progress from their group, though, and have sufficient talent to go on a deep run. 

Some of the golden generation have retired, while others – like Lukaku and De Bruyne – are deep into their 30s and past their best. The experience of Lukaku, De Bruyne, and Axel Witsel could prove invaluable at this summer’s tournament, particularly if they can be supported by ascending talents like Doku and Openda.

There is no shortage of attacking talent with Charles De Ketelaere and Malick Fofana ready to contribute on the biggest stage. In midfield, Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans are a formidable pairing. 

How to bet on Belgium at the 2026 World Cup

Betway is the place to be if you’re looking to bet on Belgium at the 2026 World Cup. From outright markets to up-to-date odds for every Belgium match, Betway checks all the boxes for football fans wanting to wager on the World Cup this summer. Head over to the Betway site or use our mobile app to start your World Cup betting now!

Belgium World Cup FAQs

Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Belgium’s history in the World Cup. 

Has Belgium ever been in a World Cup final?

No, Belgium have never reached a World Cup final. The Red Devils have reached two World Cup semi-finals, however, losing to Argentina in 1986 and France in 2018.

What group is Belgium in at the World Cup?

Belgium are in Group G at the 2026 World Cup. They were drawn alongside Egypt, New Zealand, and Iran. They are overwhelming favourites to progress from the section and begin their World Cup adventure against Egypt in Seattle on June 15.

Who knocked out Belgium in the 2018 World Cup?

Belgium were knocked out of the 2018 World Cup by France. A second-half goal from Samuel Umtiti saw Les Bleus secure a 1-0 victory. 

France went on to beat Croatia in the final, while Belgium defeat England in the third-place playoff to secure their best ever World Cup placing.