World Cup 2022: Belgium preview

Two-time semi-finalists Belgium will feel they can reach their first World Cup final, four years on from their third-place finish in Russia.

Roberto Martínez’s men have strength in depth and, following a favourable group draw, look like genuine contenders to lift the famous trophy on December 18.

Belgium face Canada in their opening Group F clash and will be keen to put up a statement performance, making their rivals sit up and take notice.

Read on to inform your predictions for Belgium at World Cup 2022.

Manager: Roberto Martínez

Key player: Kevin De Bruyne

FIFA World Ranking (at time of writing): 2

Recent performances: World Cup 2018 – Third Place, Word Cup 2014 – Quarter-finals

Odds to win Group F: 1.529*

Odds to win World Cup 2022: 15.010*

All times listed are AEST.

November 24, 06:00: Belgium vs. Canada

November 28, 01:00: Belgium vs. Morocco

December 2, 03:00: Croatia vs. Belgium

Belgium are the strong favourites to win the group, especially when you consider their opponents and their recent form.

Martínez’s squad have lost just two of their most recent 10 international matches (at the time of writing), with both of those defeats coming against the in-form Netherlands.

Croatia look like their main rivals for the top spot in the group, but Belgium have the edge over their European rivals in recent meetings. They are unbeaten in their last three matches with Croatia, with two wins and a draw.

Like every strong squad, Belgium have quality throughout their team with several world-class players at their disposal.

Thibaut Courtois has every right to claim that he is currently the best goalkeeper in the world, while the experience of defenders Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen offer protection for the Real Madrid keeper.

With Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings in the middle of the pitch and the considerable flair of Eden Hazard and Yannick Carrasco going forward, Belgium should be a force to be reckoned with.

Martínez has deployed a 3-4-2-1 formation in recent times, with former Chelsea man Michy Batshuayi used as the lone striker.

Hazard and De Bruyne have been asked to not only provide the supply line but also to get up in support of the Fenerbahçe frontman.

Anderlecht youngster Zeno Debast has been the third centre-back, alongside Alderweireld and Vertonghen, with Axel Witsel and Youri Tielemans in Belgium’s midfield.

The winners of Group F will play the runners-up of Group E and although that could be Germany, Belgium would fancy their chances of making the quarter-finals.

3.520* is the current price for the Belgians to make the last four again and based on their talent and recent performance, they should go close to emulating what they achieved in Russia four years ago.

Looking forward to World Cup 2022? Check out the latest World Cup 2022 odds on every match, plus Outright markets and more, with Pinnacle.