Looking ahead, Belgium is in a favorable position for the World Cup. Rudi Garcia: We should not fear any opponent.

Belgium, nicknamed the "Red Devils," will face Croatia, nicknamed the "Checkered Ones," in a friendly match as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Rudi Garcia stated that he hopes the team will finish first in their group stage and urged them not to fear any opponent.

The Belgian national team previously announced its 26-man squad for the World Cup, which includes key players such as De Bruyne, Tielemans, Doku, Lukaku, and Trossard.

In addition, Belgium will face Egypt in their first match of Group G in the World Cup group stage. Other teams in Group G that Belgium is in include Iran and New Zealand.

In an interview, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said, "We need to distinguish between goals and ambitions. Our primary task is to advance from the group stage. If we can advance as group winners, we will have a more favorable matchup in the knockout stage, and ideally, we can stay in Seattle to participate in the round of 32. That is our goal."

“We have great respect for the other three teams in our group, which is what the World Cup is all about. We know Egypt quite well; they are one of the best teams in Africa. I also know Salah very well because I coached him at Roma.”

Rudi Garcia stated, "We will also face a team from Oceania and a team from Asia. We are not as familiar with them as we are because we rarely see them play, but we are also looking forward to seeing what kind of strength Iran and New Zealand possess. First, we must respect every opponent in the group stage, defeat them, and advance as the top team in the group, and then see how far we can go."

“I’ve never been a person without ambition, and our goal is to go as far as possible. Of course, how far we ultimately go will also be affected by the luck of the knockout stage draw. But as I said, we are highly motivated, have big goals, and our roster has the ability to achieve great things.”

In addition, Rudi Garcia stated, "Belgium was at the top of the FIFA rankings for six consecutive years, or even longer. That team, known as the 'Golden Generation,' was considered a favorite to win the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, but ultimately failed to achieve their goals. The situation is completely different now; we are now just challengers, but I don't mind that. In fact, I prefer this identity."

“We should not be afraid of any opponent. I have told the players that we must believe in our ability to compete head-to-head with any team in the world.”

Image source: Internet