Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne is Belgium's captain and creative fulcrum, widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation. His vision, passing range and ability to create and score goals from midfield have made him the first name on the team sheet whenever fit, sustaining his influence across multiple World Cup and European Championship cycles.

He is part of the long-serving core of players often described as Belgium's golden generation, alongside teammates who have carried the national side through more than a decade of tournament football. That sustained presence at the heart of the side is central to how Belgium set up and to the expectation placed on him to unlock opposing defences.

At the 2026 World Cup, De Bruyne was among the prominent Belgian attackers unable to break down Iran's goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand in a goalless Group H draw on 21 June, a result that stalled Belgium's campaign.

Belgium's tournament ended in the quarter-final on 10 July, beaten 2-1 by Spain after substitute Mikel Merino scored an 88th-minute winner. De Bruyne was withdrawn in an enforced substitution during the match, a change coach Rudi Garcia cited as a factor in the defeat as Belgium went out.