Belgium is playing a strong confrontation against Kazakhstan, on Sunday evening, in the fifth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, at the “Constant Vanden Stoke” stadium in the capital, Brussels, at nine and 45 minutes Cairo time. The match carries exciting dimensions after the Belgian camp witnessed a sudden decision regarding the driving badge.
Group arrangement before the match
Belgium is in third place with 7 points collected from three games, while Kazakhstan occupies fourth place with 3 points from four games. The Wales national team comes in the lead with 10 points from five confrontations, while North Macedonia is second, and Liechtenstein is in the tail of the group.
Why is de Bruyne the driving badge?
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia has announced the withdrawal of the driving emblem from veteran star Kevin de Bruyne and gave her to Aston Villa. The decision sparked widespread controversy, but it came according to a future plan for the national team, which was confirmed by De Bruyne by saying: “The coach spoke to me and Lukaku at the beginning of the week and was very frank, this is a long -term decision, and I fully understand it.”
De Bruyne continues to shine despite the change
Although he left the captain, De Bruyne continued to shine in the team’s shirt, as he contributed to the great victory over Liechtenstein with a clean six, scoring a goal raising his international balance to 32 goals in 112 games. The player who ended his career with Manchester City moved this summer to Napoli with a contract that extends until 2027, wearing the No. 11 shirt.
How does Lukaku’s absence affect the Belgium attack?
Rudi Garcia will have to search for new offensive solutions after the absence of striker Romelu Lukaku due to a severe thigh muscle injury that will keep him away from the field for three months. The absence of Lukaku, the historical scorer of the national team, represents an impressive blow to the Red Devils, especially in light of their need for points to enhance their position in the qualifiers.
An exciting victory in the last round
The Belgian team had revived its hopes with an exciting victory over Wales 4-3 in the last round at the “King Buduan” stadium, to remain in the lead towards qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
