Belgium was of course classified as number 1 in the world in pot 1 and thus avoided other large countries. The strongest country on paper, from pot 2, that was linked to the Red Devils is Wales.
Belgium and Wales have a long history. Their last meeting is, of course, the dramatic quarter-final at the 2016 European Championship, but before that the Belgians had more success against the Welshmen. Both countries met in both the preliminary round of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 European Championship. In the 90s, Wales was even twice in the World Cup preliminary round group of Belgium and twice that led to success.
Came out of jar 3 Czech Republic, one of the sub-top performers in Europe for years, but now a bit in the process of rebuilding. The last time the Devils played a match against the Czechs with commitment was in the preliminary round of the 2002 World Cup. Belgium won twice and qualified for the tournament in Japan and South Korea.
Also Estonia still has few secrets for Belgium, certainly not because it was an opponent in the last World Cup preliminary round. The Estonians then even ran into a painful 8-1 defeat.
Belarus, finally, is a blank slate for the Red Devils. The team without known stars should not be a problem for the Belgians on paper.
