ATLANTA, GA – The Belgian national team is experimenting with a surprising tactical adjustment ahead of the 2026 World Cup, deploying star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne as a left back during recent friendlies. This unconventional move, spearheaded by coach Domenico Tedesco, came to light following Belgium’s 5-1 victory over the United States in a friendly match played in Atlanta, and a 6-0 win against Kazakhstan. While the results have been positive, the shift highlights a period of assessment for the Red Devils as they refine their strategy and identify weaknesses ahead of the tournament.
The decision to utilize De Bruyne, renowned for his playmaking abilities in midfield, in a defensive role initially raised eyebrows. However, reports suggest the move wasn’t about De Bruyne’s defensive capabilities, but rather about unlocking vulnerabilities in the opposition and gaining a tactical edge. The experimentation began after Belgium secured their World Cup qualification with a dominant 7-0 win over Liechtenstein on March 26, 2026, a match De Bruyne watched from the sidelines on crutches as he continues his rehabilitation.
Thomas Meunier, who returned to the starting lineup after a suspension, expressed his delight at De Bruyne’s presence at the games, even while injured. “Heel fijn dat Kevin aanwezig was om mee te vieren,” Meunier said, translated as “It’s exceptionally nice that Kevin was present to celebrate with us.” He added, “De Bruyne is a very important player for us, I am already rooting for him to get fit quickly and be able to play again.” This sentiment underscores De Bruyne’s importance to the team, even when he’s not on the pitch.
Uncovering Weaknesses Against the US
According to reports, the tactical shift to utilize De Bruyne at left back wasn’t immediately apparent during the match against the United States. It was only after Belgium scored the equalizer that Tedesco began to identify areas where the US team was vulnerable. This suggests a reactive approach to tactical adjustments, with De Bruyne’s positioning serving as a catalyst for uncovering these weaknesses.
The 5-1 victory over the US, while a convincing result, wasn’t “all perfect,” as noted by reports. However, it provided valuable insights into the team’s dynamics and potential strategies. Belgium’s ability to score five goals without Romelu Lukaku, who was not featured in the match, further demonstrates the team’s attacking depth and versatility.
De Bruyne’s Role and the Team’s Performance
De Bruyne’s performance in the experimental role, while not fully detailed in available reports, appears to have been positive enough to warrant continued exploration. The move allows Belgium to maintain possession in key areas of the field and potentially exploit mismatches in the opposition’s defense. It also frees up space for other attacking players, such as Jérémy Doku, who scored twice in the victory over Kazakhstan.
The match against Kazakhstan, a 6-0 rout, saw De Bruyne score twice and provide one assist, showcasing his continued impact even when deployed in an unfamiliar position. Nicolas Raskin also contributed with a goal, while Meunier rounded out the scoring. The team’s dominant performance, characterized by 35 shot attempts and 75% possession, highlights their attacking prowess and tactical flexibility.
Teambuilding and Morale
Beyond the tactical adjustments, the Red Devils are also focusing on team cohesion. Following the match against the US, the team enjoyed a teambuilding activity, attending an NBA game in Atlanta. This demonstrates a commitment to fostering a positive team environment and strengthening bonds between players.
Injury Updates and Future Outlook
Kevin De Bruyne’s ongoing rehabilitation remains a key concern for Belgium. The team is eager to have their creative engine back in full fitness as soon as possible. Reports indicate that De Bruyne began his rehabilitation on the day of the Liechtenstein match, suggesting a gradual return to full fitness is anticipated. The hope is that he will be fully fit and available for selection in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and, the tournament itself.
The question of who will fill De Bruyne’s midfield role in his absence remains. “Hopelijk blijft hij fit de komende maanden, want anders… Wie gaat het dan doen?” (“Hopefully he stays fit in the coming months, because otherwise… Who will do it?”) as one report questioned. This highlights the team’s reliance on De Bruyne’s unique skillset and the challenge of finding a suitable replacement if he is unavailable.
What’s Next for the Red Devils
Belgium’s next confirmed fixture is yet to be announced, but the team will continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup with a series of friendlies and qualifiers. Coach Tedesco will likely continue to experiment with different tactical formations and player combinations, seeking to identify the optimal lineup and strategy for the tournament. The continued assessment of De Bruyne’s versatility, including his potential role at left back, will undoubtedly be a key focus.
The Red Devils’ recent performances suggest they are a team on the rise, capable of challenging for the top honors at the World Cup. Their attacking firepower, combined with their tactical flexibility and strong team spirit, makes them a formidable opponent for any team. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress and upcoming fixtures through official league channels and reputable sports news outlets.
