The international match is over, in November the Red Devils will gather again to mathematically secure their World Cup ticket. In the meantime, national coach Rudi Garcia can start puzzling about his World Cup selection. There could be a very surprising name in there.
Mathematically, the Belgians are still not sure of their participation in the World Cup final round next summer. But realistically, little can go wrong. A win against Kazakhstan and/or Liechtenstein is always sufficient for qualification. Two countries that were recently defeated 6-0.
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Large group for sure
An emergency scenario in which things could still go wrong does not seem to be taken into account within the association. For example, it was announced on Tuesday that a training camp in the United States is already being planned in March, when the European jump-offs take place. Including practice matches against the US and Mexico.
In the coming weeks, the necessary logistical preparations will undoubtedly be made for next summer’s tournament. Garcia, in turn, can begin to piece together the puzzle for forming his World Cup squad. Although no fewer than 17 players are already almost certain of their presence.
Surprise of 37 years?
But a surprise cannot be ruled out either. According to SudPresse, there is a real chance that Axel Witsel, who would be 37 years old at that time, will soon be allowed to pack his bags. To everyone’s surprise, the Girona FC defender/midfielder was brought back into the group during the last diptych. And in 2024 he was also the surprise of Domenico Tedesco in his European Championship selection, although Witsel seemed to have already retired as an international at that time. He ultimately did not play due to an injury.
The fact that he was also picked up by Garcia was mainly due to the absence of Youri Tielemans. And with the fact that the promises were also playing two important matches at that time. But Witsel would definitely have a chance of going to the World Cup later. Even if he would only play a limited number of minutes. “He accepts this new role. And he may play even more for the national team than anyone suspects. I don’t think it will stop at this ‘one-shot’,” says analyst Alex Teklak RTBF.
