Belgium avoid big names in favourable World Cup 2026 draw
The European qualifying groups for the FIFA 2026 World Cup were drawn on Friday in Zurich, Switzerland. Belgium left the headquarters of world football's governing body with a favourable draw and will be joined by Wales, Northern Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein in Group J.
FIFA is introducing a new format for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. For the first time, 48 countries will take part in the main event instead of the usual 32. This means that Europe will have 16 starting places instead of 13.
This change in format also alters the way qualifying is played. The European countries will be divided into 12 groups, six with four nations and six with five nations. Only the group winners qualify directly, with the runners-up competing in a play-off round for the final qualifying places.
The Belgian Red Devils have been placed in Group J, one of six five-nation groups. That means their qualifying campaign will begin in June. But Belgium can't complain about the draw. Against Wales, Northern Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein, they should be able to come out on top.
Notable absence
Two members of the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), president Pascale Van Damme and CEO Peter Willems, were present at the draw in Zurich. "We are satisfied," Willems said on Friday, adding that Belgium would start the qualifying campaign "with the necessary ambition, but also with respect for our opponents".
One notable absentee was national coach Domenico Tedesco. It is the first time in 50 years that a Belgian coach has not been present at the draw for a major international tournament. This does not bode well for his future in Belgium.
After disappointing performances in the most recent European Championship and Nations League, the coach is being evaluated by sporting director Vincent Mannaert. It will not be easy to let him go, however, as Tedesco is under contract until 2026 and the RBFA are in dire financial straits, with a loss of almost 12 million euros in 2023.
Before their World Cup qualification campaign gets underway, the Red Devils still have to face Ukraine in March, to try and keep their spot in the top division of the Nations League.
© BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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