Belgium’s Striker Dilemma: Should Hugo Cuypers Join World Cup Squad?

As Belgium prepares for the upcoming World Cup, a pressing question dominates discussions among Belgian football analysts: Should Hugo Cuypers receive a call-up to the national team? The debate centers on the Red Devils’ ongoing striker problem and whether the MLS goal-scorer offers a viable solution.

The Case for Cuypers: Goal-Scoring Form in MLS

Hugo Cuypers’ recent performances in Major League Soccer have sparked serious consideration for his inclusion in Belgium’s World Cup plans. According to verified reports, Cuypers has scored six goals in his first five matches for Chicago Fire in the 2026 MLS season.

This immediate impact builds on his previous season with the club, where he netted 19 goals in 36 appearances. Analyst Hein Vanhaezebroeck emphasized Cuypers’ qualifications, stating: “The numbers don’t lie: 6 goals in 5 matches. Hugo Cuypers has not missed his start in MLS. Last season he was already good for 19 goals in 36 matches. A true target striker, something Belgium could employ at the World Cup.”

Vanhaezebroeck further praised Cuypers’ attributes beyond just goal-scoring: “He is not the most technical footballer, but he is hungry. He is a tremendous professional who absolutely wants to prove himself. He will fight, position pressure on the team. He can score with his head, with left, with right.”

The Core Argument: Addressing Belgium’s Striker Shortage

The primary rationale for considering Cuypers stems from Belgium’s acknowledged lack of elite striking options. Vanhaezebroeck was explicit about this reality: “In my opinion, he should travel. If we had three top strikers, then perhaps Cuypers wouldn’t be discussed, but that is not the reality. We don’t have a single one. And that is why Hugo Cuypers comes into the picture. You need a goal-scorer, someone who knows how to find the net.”

He added a crucial nuance regarding the player’s potential role: “I’m not saying he must start at the World Cup. But if you need a goal, there are few Belgian strikers better at this moment.”

Counterpoints: Tradition and Precedent Concerns

Not all analysts agree with calling up Cuypers. Tuur Dierckx raised significant objections based on historical precedent: “In the past, Christian Benteke was also not called up for the Red Devils when he was the top scorer in MLS. Cuypers has also never been there before; I would find it strange to suddenly take him to the World Cup.”

Dierckx acknowledged the underlying issue but proposed an alternative: “I understand the question. There are few strikers in form in the top five leagues. But I would choose Lucas Stassin. He also scored 12 times last year in Ligue 1.”

Understanding the Belgian Striker Context

The debate occurs against a backdrop of recognized challenges for Belgium’s attacking options. Multiple sources confirm that the Red Devils “sit with a striker problem” and are considering whether to “look for an alternative instead of the failed experiments.”

This situation has led to divided opinions among analysts, described as being “in one-tweetje are the opinions divided” – a Belgian expression indicating closely split views.

What This Means for Belgium’s World Cup Preparations

The discussion reflects broader strategic considerations for Belgium as they finalize their World Cup squad. Selecting a player primarily based on recent MLS form represents a potential shift from traditional selection patterns that have favored European-based players, even when those players were performing well in MLS (as referenced in the Benteke precedent).

For Cuypers personally, a World Cup call-up would mark his first appearance at the international tournament level, having not previously been part of Belgium’s World Cup squads.

The Verified Facts: Cuypers’ Recent Record

Based on the confirmed information from multiple verified sources:

• Hugo Cuypers plays for Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer
• In the 2026 MLS season, he has scored 6 goals in 5 matches
• During the 2025 MLS season, he scored 19 goals in 36 appearances for Chicago Fire
• He is described as a “target striker” or “goalgetter” by analysts
• He has not previously been called up to Belgium’s World Cup squad
• The debate is occurring in April 2026, with the World Cup approaching

Looking Ahead: Next Steps in the Selection Process

As of the latest verified reports from April 21, 2026, no final decision has been made regarding Cuypers’ potential inclusion in Belgium’s World Cup squad. The debate continues among analysts and will likely factor into the considerations of Belgium’s coaching staff as they finalize their roster.

The next confirmed checkpoint in this story will be Belgium’s official World Cup squad announcement, expected in the coming weeks as the tournament approaches.

What do you reckon about the debate surrounding Hugo Cuypers’ potential World Cup call-up? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about Belgium’s striker options for the upcoming tournament.