Belgium Thrives as Underdog Under Rudy Garcia at 2026 World Cup

Belgium has emerged as a surprising contender at the 2026 World Cup under coach Rudy Garcia, defying expectations after a shaky start. Following two comebacks against Senegal in the round of 32, Garcia made bold tactical decisions, including benching star players Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, which initially seemed like a protest move but ultimately paid off. His strategic shift to a more physical midfield helped Belgium dominate the United States 4-1, securing their first quarterfinal appearance since 2018.

Garcia’s coaching style, characterized by intense sideline activity and detailed note-taking, reflects a thoughtful and adaptive approach. Despite early perceptions of him as an eccentric French coach, Belgian media praised his ability to reinvent himself and manage the team effectively. His decisions to trust less prominent players like Andrew Trézéguet and to start Charles De Ketelaere as a central striker, who responded with two goals against the US, demonstrate his confidence in the squad’s depth.

The team’s unity appears strengthened by a shared underdog mentality, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois highlighting the motivation derived from external doubts. Garcia also openly defends his players against criticism, fostering a supportive environment. While Belgium struggles against tightly packed defenses when favored, they excel when underestimated, as shown in their recent matches.

Looking ahead, Belgium faces a tougher challenge against Spain, but Garcia remains optimistic, stating the team grows stronger as the tournament progresses and believes they can beat any opponent. This World Cup run marks a significant achievement for Belgium, even without standout performances from their biggest stars, signaling a new phase for the team beyond their so-called golden generation.