Belgium has registered three official hosts for World Cup 2026 including Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Stenne Lammens (Man Utd) and Mike Penders (Chelsea). The training department was also planning to take Vandevoordt to the US to ensure that the team always had enough four goalkeepers in counter-optal practice.

According to the plan of Coach Rudi Garcia, Vandevoordt will not compete at the World Cup but only assist professionally on the practice field. However, after trading with the RB Leipzig, the two sides united into the age of 24.

Martenn Vandevoordt went to the Belgian team of the same recruitment in 340026. Image: Instagram / martenn vandevoordt

The German football team did not fully protest RBFA's plans, but claimed that Vandevoordt needed early concentrations of preparation for the new season and had to be ready before Bundesliga season 2026-2027.

Although not going to the US, Vandevoordt participated in the preparation period of the Belgian Draft in his hometown, including two hand-in-hand matches meeting Croatia on June 2, and Richmond on June 5.

List 26 Belgian players for the 2026 World Cup. Image: Livescore*

Coach Garcia released a list of 26 Belgian players for the 2026 World Cup from two weeks ago. The veterans of "The Golden Generation" such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku or Thibaut Courtois were all in attendance, more than likely to mark the final World Cup.

One of the most controversial decisions was that Axel Witsel was summoned. 37-year-old players are highly appreciated by their experience and flexible ability to play in both Central and Defence quarterbacks. Meanwhile, names such as Romeo Lavia, Arthur Ahmaden or 17-year-old Nathan De Cat were eliminated.

Coach Garcia said the most important criteria when choosing formation were the collective spirit and the balance between experience and youth. "We need a group to bond, to support each other. The team's ambitions were not limited, but the immediate goal was to pass the board round with the top position", he said.

French military authorities also emphasized Belgium not to be considered champions, but the position of a lower-door football team may help players to play more comfortably at the 2026 World Cup.

The Games - World Cup Result 2026

Tuesday, June 16, 2026