A busy Saturday for Belgian football saw success across multiple youth levels, headlined by a crucial victory for the U19s and qualification for both the European Championship and the World Cup for the U17s. While the senior national team prepares for a friendly against the United States, Belgium’s future stars are making their mark on the international stage.
U19s Secure Top Spot with Narrow Win in Czechia
The Belgium U19 team edged past Czechia with a 1-0 victory in Prostejov, securing the top spot in Group 4 of the Euro U19 qualifying tournament. The decisive goal came in the 60th minute from Kaye Furo, a rising talent currently with Brentford in England. The win moves Belgium ahead of Czechia in the standings, with 4 points to Czechia’s 3.
Furo’s goal was a well-executed lob following a precise through ball from Van Britsom. The forward then celebrated with a unique and memorable display, playfully hopping on his backside across the pitch. The match wasn’t without its drama, as Belgium were reduced to ten men in the 78th minute after Zaid Bafdili received his second yellow card.
Despite being a man down, the young Red Devils held firm and even came close to extending their lead. However, a penalty in added time, awarded to Belgium, was missed by Club Brugge’s Yanis Musuayi. Denmark currently sits third in the group with one point and will face bottom-placed Latvia later on Saturday. Belgium’s qualification hopes now rest on maintaining their position at the top of the group.
This qualification marks a significant moment for Belgian youth football, as it’s the first time a Belgian U19 team has qualified for the European Championship since 2011.
U17s Book Spots in Euro and World Cup with Thrilling Victory
The Belgium U17 team secured their place at both the European Championship in Estonia and the World Cup in Qatar with a dramatic 4-3 win over Serbia. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Belgium racing to a 3-0 lead early in the second half through goals from Onia Seke, Benktib, and Achahbar.
However, Serbia mounted a spirited comeback, narrowing the gap to 3-2 before Achahbar restored Belgium’s two-goal advantage. A late goal from Samardzic set up a tense finish, but Belgium managed to hold on for the victory. With six points from six, Belgium are guaranteed to finish top of their group, regardless of the results of other matches.
U18s Draw Against Sweden Despite Red Card
The Belgium U18 team battled to a 3-3 draw against Sweden, despite playing with ten men for a significant portion of the match. Sweden took an early lead in the 3rd minute through Kevin Filling, but Belgium responded with two goals from Genk’s Aaron Murenzi, including one from the penalty spot.
However, Sweden regained the lead through Axel Bronner, who scored twice. The situation worsened for Belgium when Matthias Wamu Oyatambwe was sent off in the 43rd minute, leaving them with a numerical disadvantage. Despite this, the young Red Devils showed resilience, equalizing through Standard Liege’s Rene Mitongo in the 70th minute. The draw ensures Belgium’s progression to the next qualifying phase, where they will remain in Division A alongside Sweden, who as well have four points.
The top three teams from each group will advance to the second phase of qualifying in the autumn, with a final phase in the spring of 2027 leading to the eight-team finals tournament in the Czech Republic.
Kaye Furo: A Rising Star
Kaye Furo, the match-winner for the U19s, is a name to watch. Born in February 2007, Furo is a forward currently playing for Brentford in the English Premier League. He previously developed through the youth academies of Royal Antwerp and Club Brugge, signing his first professional contract with Club Brugge in 2022. He made his senior debut for Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League in August 2025, appearing as a substitute against Glasgow Rangers. His move to Brentford in January 2026 signaled a significant step in his career, with the club reportedly paying £8.7 million for his services.
Furo has also represented Belgium at various youth levels, including U15, U16, U17, U18, and U19, demonstrating his consistent progression through the national team ranks.
What’s Next for Belgium’s Youth Teams?
The U19s will continue their Euro qualifying campaign on Tuesday, March 31st, with a match against Latvia at 2:00 PM local time (14:00 CET). The U18s have completed their current qualifying phase and will prepare for the next stage of competition in the autumn. The U17s will now turn their attention to preparations for the European Championship in Estonia and the World Cup in Qatar, dates for which will be announced by FIFA and UEFA respectively.
The success of these youth teams bodes well for the future of Belgian football, demonstrating the strength of the nation’s youth development programs.
What do you think of Belgium’s youth success? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
