Belgium World Cup Statistics

Belgium's best FIFA World Cup finish is third place, achieved in 2018 in Russia. The Red Devils beat England 2-0 in the third-place playoff at Saint Petersburg Stadium, sealing the strongest result in the nation's tournament history. Toby Alderweireld opened the scoring early, Eden Hazard added a second late in the match. The 2018 squad, built around Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, plus Vincent Kompany, had reached the semifinal before falling 1-0 to France. Before 2018, Belgium's peak was fourth place in 1986, a run built on a penalty win over Spain and an extra-time victory over the Soviet Union. The 1986 campaign ended with a 2-0 semifinal loss to Argentina, Diego Maradona scoring both goals. Belgium's 2026 campaign matched neither peak, ending at the quarterfinal stage after a 2-1 loss to Spain on July 10 in Los Angeles. Charles De Ketelaere equalized in the 41st minute before Mikel Merino scored a late winner for the Spaniards.

Belgium's performance across FIFA World Cup editions ranges from group-stage exits to a semifinal run. The Red Devils debuted at the inaugural 1930 tournament in Uruguay, exiting after two scoreless defeats. Group-stage exits followed in 1934, 1938, 1998, 2002, 2022, despite unbeaten runs in 1998, when three draws against the Netherlands, Mexico, and South Korea proved insufficient. Belgium reached the second round in 1990, 1994, and 2014, falling to Germany, England, and Argentina, respectively. The 1986 tournament produced a fourth-place finish, driven by Enzo Scifo's midfield craft plus Jan Ceulemans's leadership. The 2018 tournament produced third place, driven by a 2-1 quarterfinal win over Brazil. Rudi Garcia's 2026 squad reached the quarterfinal, exiting to Spain after topping Group G with a 5-1 win over New Zealand, following knockout wins over Senegal plus the United States.

Belgium finished first in Group G at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. Rudi Garcia's squad opened with a 1-1 draw against Egypt on June 15 in Seattle, followed by a goalless draw against Iran on June 21 in Los Angeles, played with ten men after Nathan Ngoy's red card. A 5-1 win over New Zealand on June 27 in Vancouver sealed top spot on 5 points, from a win plus two draws. Egypt advanced as runner-up on goal difference after tying Belgium 1-1 in the head-to-head meeting. Iran finished third, eliminated on third-place rankings despite a draw against New Zealand. New Zealand finished fourth, eliminated after the defeat to Belgium ended a 44-year unbeaten World Cup run for the Football Ferns.

Belgium's World Cup record stands far ahead of New Zealand's across appearances, knockout depth, and head-to-head history. Belgium has appeared in 15 FIFA World Cup tournaments since 1930, five times as many as New Zealand's 3 appearances since 1982, and reached the 2026 semifinal before a 2-1 loss to Spain. New Zealand has never won a match across its tournament history, a run that continued through the 2026 group stage despite a 2010 campaign built on 3 unbeaten draws. The 2 nations met directly during Group G play, with Belgium winning 5-1 on June 27 to close the group stage. Belgium advanced with 5 points from a win and 2 draws, then eliminated Senegal, the United States, before falling to Spain in the semifinal. New Zealand finished fourth in Group G on 1 point, exiting after 2 losses and a single draw against Iran. Belgium's 2026 semifinal finish matches the program's best-ever result from 1986, extending a gap in tournament pedigree that New Zealand has yet to close across 3 appearances. The scoreline from June 27 stands as the clearest single measure of that gap, captured within the New Zealand vs Belgium Statistics.
Belgium World Cup Matches and Results

Belgium's FIFA World Cup match results span 51 matches through the 2026 quarterfinal, producing 21 wins, 12 draws, and 18 losses. The squad added six results during 2026, defeating New Zealand 5-1, Senegal 3-2 after extra time, the United States 4-1, drawing Egypt 1-1 plus Iran 0-0, losing 2-1 to Spain. Historical results include a 4-3 extra-time win over the Soviet Union in 1986, a 1-0 win over defending champions Argentina in 1982, and a 2-0 win over Brazil in the 2018 quarterfinal. Belgium's first-ever World Cup win came against El Salvador, 3-0, in 1970, arriving 40 years after the nation's tournament debut. The 2018 run added a 5-2 win over Tunisia plus a 3-2 win over Japan in the round of 16, a comeback built on De Bruyne's passing plus Nacer Chadli's late winner.

Belgium has defeated teams from UEFA, CONMEBOL, AFC, CAF, and CONCACAF throughout FIFA World Cup history. These victories span the group stage and knockout rounds, reflecting Belgium's consistent competitiveness across multiple tournament editions. Belgium's World Cup wins include victories over former champions, top-ranked nations, and emerging football countries.
Teams beaten by Belgium at the FIFA World Cup are listed below.

1. Mexico (1970): Belgium defeated Mexico 1–0 in the group stage to record the nation's first FIFA World Cup victory.
2. El Salvador (1982): Belgium beat El Salvador 1–0 in the group stage before stunning the defending champions later in the tournament.
3. Argentina (1982): Belgium defeated defending champions Argentina 1–0 in the opening match of the tournament at Camp Nou, with Erwin Vandenbergh scoring the winning goal.
4. Iraq (1986): Belgium defeated Iraq 2–1 in the group stage to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.
5. Paraguay (1986): Belgium beat Paraguay 3–0 in the Round of 16 to reach the quarter-finals for the second time.
6. Soviet Union (1986): Belgium defeated the Soviet Union 4–3 after extra time in the Round of 16, overcoming Igor Belanov's hat-trick in one of the tournament's most memorable matches.
7. South Korea (1990): Belgium defeated South Korea 2–0 in the group stage to complete an unbeaten opening round.
8. Russia (2002): Belgium beat Russia 3–2 in the final group-stage match to qualify for the Round of 16.
9. Algeria (2014): Belgium defeated Algeria 2–1 after coming from behind in its opening group-stage match of the tournament.
10. Panama (2018): Belgium beat Panama 3–0 in the group stage, with Romelu Lukaku scoring twice on the nation's FIFA World Cup debut.
11. Tunisia (2018): Belgium defeated Tunisia 5–2 in a high-scoring group-stage match, securing qualification for the knockout stage.
12. Japan (2018): Belgium came from two goals down to defeat Japan 3–2 in the Round of 16, with Nacer Chadli scoring the winning goal in stoppage time.
13. Brazil (2018): Belgium defeated Brazil 2–1 in the quarter-finals to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals for the second time.
14. England (2018): Belgium defeated England twice during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, winning 1–0 in the group stage before securing a 2–0 victory in the third-place play-off to achieve the nation's best-ever World Cup finish.

Belgium's largest FIFA World Cup finals victory is a 5-1 win over New Zealand during the 2026 group stage, surpassing its previous-best winning margin of 5-2 against Tunisia at the 2018 tournament. Belgium's heaviest World Cup finals defeat remains the 5-0 loss to Brazil in the 2002 round of 16. The national team reached the quarter-finals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup before exiting with a 2-1 defeat to Spain, decided by Mikel Merino's 88th-minute goal after a rebound.

Belgium's results compare far ahead of Iran's in World Cup competition, spanning tournament history, knockout depth, and the 2026 head-to-head meeting. Belgium has appeared in 15 FIFA World Cup tournaments since 1930, more than double Iran's 7 appearances since 1978, and reached the 2026 semifinal before a 2-1 loss to Spain. Iran remains without a knockout stage appearance across its full tournament history, a gap that continued through the 2026 group stage. The 2 nations met directly during Group G play, finishing goalless in a 0-0 draw on June 22. Belgium closed the group stage on 5 points from a win and 2 draws, then eliminated Senegal and the United States before falling to Spain in the semifinal. Iran finished third in Group G on 3 points from 3 draws, eliminated without registering a single win. Belgium's 2026 semifinal run matches the program's best-ever finish from 1986, a level of tournament success Iran has yet to approach across 7 appearances. The scoreline from the group stage meeting sits at the center of the broader gap reflected in the Belgium vs Iran Statistics.

Betting on Belgium's next FIFA World Cup match starts with reviewing current squad news, injury updates, and opponent quality across licensed sportsbooks. Bettors typically compare match-winner odds, total-goals markets, and player-scorer props ahead of kickoff, adjusting selections once lineups get confirmed. Belgium's 2026 campaign ended at the quarterfinal stage, though the squad's 14 goals across six matches, paired with knockout-stage composure, kept the Red Devils among the more heavily backed sides through the round of 16 plus quarterfinal fixtures. Injuries to captain Youri Tielemans plus goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois during the Spain match shifted in-play odds noticeably, a reminder that squad news carries direct weight on pricing. Bettors tracking Belgium's next competitive fixture, whether a Nations League tie or a future qualifying cycle, can compare markets across Football Betting platforms offering match-winner, total-goals, and anytime-scorer options.
FIFA World Cup Betting Tips and Strategies

Belgium's strongest betting markets include match-winner, total-goals, anytime-scorer selections, given the squad's balanced scoring output plus knockout-stage resilience. Team-total-goals-over markets paid off in four of Belgium's six 2026 fixtures, giving a 14-goal output across the group stage plus knockout rounds. Anytime-scorer bets on Lukaku plus De Ketelaere returned value across four of the six matches played through the quarterfinal. Draw-no-bet markets carried relevance during the group stage, given consecutive draws against Egypt plus Iran before the New Zealand rout settled top spot

FIFA World Cup odds shift before kickoff based on confirmed lineups, injury updates, head-to-head records, and current tournament form. Live betting markets continue adjusting throughout a match as goals, red cards, substitutions, and changes in momentum influence win probabilities. Belgium's odds against Spain shortened after Charles De Ketelaere scored the 41st-minute equalizer before drifting again following Thibaut Courtois's second-half withdrawal. Live markets shifted once Mikel Merino entered in the 88th minute, shortly before scoring the decisive winning goal.

Betting on Belgium FIFA World Cup matches on UFABET follows a defined sequence. First, create plus verify an account through the platform's registration process. Second, deposit funds through an accepted payment method. Third, navigate to the FIFA World Cup section plus locate Belgium's next scheduled fixture. Fourth, select a market, match-winner, total-goals, anytime-scorer, then enter a stake amount. Lastly, confirm the selection, monitor live odds movement through kickoff plus during the match itself.
Belgium World Cup Squad and Players

Belgium's FIFA World Cup appearance record measures the number of tournament matches each player has participated in across multiple editions. Appearance totals reflect longevity, consistent squad selection, and contributions at the highest international level. Belgium's most-capped World Cup players played key roles during different eras of the national team's FIFA World Cup history.
Belgium's players with the most FIFA World Cup appearances are listed below.

• Jan Vertonghen: Holds Belgium's FIFA World Cup appearance record with 14 matches across the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments.
• Thibaut Courtois: Played 13 World Cup matches between 2014 and 2022, keeping multiple clean sheets and helping Belgium finish third in 2018.
• Toby Alderweireld: Made 13 World Cup appearances across the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions as a central defender.
• Axel Witsel: Featured in 13 FIFA World Cup matches between 2014 and 2022 as Belgium's midfield anchor.
• Eden Hazard: Played 12 World Cup matches across the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments, captaining Belgium during the 2018 campaign.
• Kevin De Bruyne: Reached 12 World Cup appearances from 2014 to 2022 while leading Belgium's creative play.

Belgium's greatest FIFA World Cup players are recognized through their performances, leadership, goals, assists, and influence during the tournament. Individual achievements and decisive performances have shaped Belgium's FIFA World Cup history across multiple generations. Several players stand out for helping Belgium achieve its best-ever World Cup finish while establishing lasting tournament records.
Belgium's greatest FIFA World Cup players are listed below.

• Jean-Marie Pfaff: Led Belgium to the 1986 FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a series of outstanding goalkeeping performances.
• Youri Tielemans: Captained the 2026 squad and provided leadership through central midfield.
• Enzo Scifo: Appeared in four FIFA World Cup tournaments and became one of Belgium's most accomplished midfielders.
• Marc Wilmots: Scored five FIFA World Cup goals across four tournaments and remains one of Belgium's most successful World Cup scorers.
• Eden Hazard: Captained Belgium to third place in 2018 and won the Silver Ball after producing three goals and two assists.
• Kevin De Bruyne: Played a central role in Belgium's 2018 semi-final run through creativity, passing, and match-winning performances.
• Romelu Lukaku: Scored four goals during the 2018 FIFA World Cup and ranks among Belgium's leading World Cup goalscorers.

Romelu Lukaku has scored the most FIFA World Cup goals for Belgium, reaching eight through the 2026 quarterfinal round. Lukaku's tally passed Marc Wilmots's previous mark of five during the 2026 knockout rounds, adding strikes against New Zealand, Senegal, and the United States. Wilmots ranks second among Belgium's scorers, having reached his five goals across eight appearances in four tournaments between 1990 plus 2002. Charles De Ketelaere sits close behind after 2026, having scored three goals in a single tournament, matching the Belgian knockout-stage scoring record set by Lukaku in 2018.

Kevin De Bruyne plus Eden Hazard share Belgium's record for FIFA World Cup assists, each recording four across their respective tournament careers. De Bruyne's tally spans four editions, from 2014 through 2026, built on set-piece delivery plus open-play creativity through central midfield. Hazard compiled his tally primarily during the 2014 plus 2018 tournaments, driven by direct dribbling plus late-game service from wide areas. Charles De Ketelaere added a further assist during the 2026 round of 16 win over the United States, setting up one of Belgium's four goals in that fixture.

Marc Wilmots, Enzo Scifo, and Franky Van der Elst hold Belgium's record for World Cup squad appearances among outfield figures, each featuring across four tournament cycles. Kevin De Bruyne matched that mark during 2026, extending his involvement to four editions spanning 2014 through 2026. Axel Witsel reached the same total, having featured across the 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 tournaments as a central midfield presence. Jan Vertonghen contributed across three editions, 2014 through 2022, a span reflecting his role as a defensive anchor during Belgium's Golden Generation years.
Belgium World Cup Goals and Scoring Records

Belgium has scored 82 goals at the FIFA World Cup, combining 68 goals across 45 matches through 2022 with 14 goals across six matches during the 2026 tournament through the quarterfinal round. The 2026 tally includes a single goal against Egypt, none against Iran, five against New Zealand, three against Senegal, four against the United States, one against Spain. The nation's tally places Belgium among Europe's mid-tier scoring records at the tournament, behind footballing powers (Germany, France, Argentina).

Nacer Chadli scored one of Belgium's most famous FIFA World Cup goals, a stoppage-time winner against Japan during the 2018 round of 16, completing a comeback from two goals down. Erwin Vandenbergh's 1982 strike against defending champions Argentina ranks among Belgium's other celebrated goals, a single-goal win opening that tournament. Charles De Ketelaere's 2026 equalizer against Spain, arriving in the 41st minute of the quarterfinal, ranks among Belgium's most significant recent strikes, extending the match before Merino's late winner ended the run.

Belgium's highest-scoring FIFA World Cup match stands at six goals, recorded against New Zealand's five-goal concession during the 2026 group stage, a 5-1 scoreline supplemented by earlier high-scoring fixtures from 1934 plus 1970. Belgium's 6-2 defeat to Germany in 1934 ranks among the tournament's highest-scoring matches involving the Red Devils, played entirely under the straight-knockout format used that year. The 2026 win over New Zealand ranks as Belgium's largest finals victory margin in recent tournament history, four clear goals separating the sides.
Belgium World Cup Discipline Statistics

Belgium's FIFA World Cup card count includes one confirmed red card during 2026, shown to Nathan Ngoy in the goalless draw against Iran on June 21. Additional yellow cards accumulated across the 2026 knockout rounds, including a booking for Axel Witsel during the quarterfinal against Spain following a late challenge on Rodri. Belgium's historical tournament record carries no widely documented pattern of repeated dismissals, distinguishing the squad from nations involved in higher-profile disciplinary incidents across World Cup history.

Nathan Ngoy holds the most significant recent disciplinary mark among Belgium players, his red card against Iran during 2026 standing as a defining incident of that group-stage campaign. Axel Witsel added a yellow card during the quarterfinal loss to Spain, a booking picked up while contesting possession against Rodri in central midfield. Historical Belgium squads from the 1986 plus 2018 tournament runs carry no comparably prominent individual disciplinary record, reflecting a squad approach built more around structural fouling than repeated individual bookings.

FIFA World Cup disciplinary statistics get recorded through match officials issuing yellow plus red cards for fouls plus misconduct, tracked centrally through FIFA's official match data. A yellow card produces a caution, two cautions in the same match produce an automatic red card plus ejection, a rule that applied to no Belgian player during 2026, despite Ngoy's direct sending-off. Accumulated yellow cards across separate matches trigger a one-match suspension under standard tournament thresholds. Video Assistant Referee reviews, expanded ahead of the 2026 tournament, added scrutiny to marginal disciplinary incidents across every fixture, including Belgium's knockout matches.
Belgium World Cup Team Statistics

Belgium's average possession during the 2026 quarterfinal against Spain was 30 percent, reflecting a deliberate defensive approach against a dominant opponent. Earlier group-stage fixtures produced contrasting figures, Belgium holding 59 percent possession during the goalless draw against Iran on June 21. Passing patterns shifted across the tournament, Kevin De Bruyne plus Youri Tielemans anchoring build-up play during the group stage before injury limited Tielemans's involvement in the quarterfinal. Belgium's shot output against Iran reached 23 total attempts, seven on target, a marked contrast to the five total attempts recorded against Spain.

Belgium's statistical profile compares strongly with Egypt's at the FIFA World Cup, particularly in possession control and shots on target across their group stage meeting. Belgium's structured buildup produced a higher shot volume and greater time spent in Egypt's defensive third throughout the fixture. Egypt relied on quick transitions and set-piece opportunities to generate its clearest scoring chances, a pattern consistent with the team's broader tactical identity at the tournament. The result reflected Belgium's tactical control over the match, even as Egypt remained competitive through disciplined defensive organization. Full statistical comparisons covering attack, defense, and possession for the two nations appear in the Belgium vs Egypt Statistics breakdown.

Belgium compares competitively with other FIFA World Cup teams statistically, reaching the quarterfinal stage in three of the last four editions, 2014, 2018, and 2026, missing only the 2022 knockout rounds. Spain's 2026 quarterfinal win, backed by 61 percent possession plus 17 total attempts, outpaced Belgium's five attempts in that fixture, a gap reflecting the difference between the two sides' attacking volume that day. Belgium's group-stage defensive record, two goals conceded across three matches, ranked competitively against fellow European sides advancing from the first round. Argentina, the eventual 2026 champions, scored 17 goals through the semifinal, well clear of Belgium's 14-goal tournament total.

You can find detailed Belgium FIFA World Cup statistics and analytics by following these four steps. First, visit FIFA's official statistics hub to review team and player data updated after each match. Second, use football analytics platforms to compare possession, passing, shooting, and defensive metrics through searchable dashboards. Third, consult sports data providers, including Opta and StatsBomb, to analyze event-level statistics such as expected goals (xG), chances created, and defensive actions. Lastly, read national broadcasters and sports outlets to combine contextual analysis with statistical data throughout and after each tournament.
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