The Squad: A Blend of Experience and Youth

Garcia’s 26-man squad is a reflection of Belgium’s footballing philosophy: a blend of technical mastery, physicality, and tactical intelligence. The team includes established stars like Eden Hazard (now playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia) and Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), alongside rising talents such as Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen) and Charles De Ketelaere (AC Milan).

However, the absence of certain names—such as Mika Godts, who was notably omitted from the squad—has raised eyebrows. Godts, a key player in Belgium’s recent campaigns, was left out despite his experience and leadership qualities. Garcia has not yet provided a definitive explanation, though reports suggest tactical flexibility and squad rotation were factors.

Seven Players Left Unused: Who Missed Out?

According to verified reports from Belgium’s training camp, the following seven players did not feature in any of the weekend’s matches or scrimmages:

• Mika Godts (Tottenham Hotspur)
• Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
• Jason Denayer (Brighton & Hove Albion)
• Dennis Praet (Feyenoord)
• Simon Mignolet (Everton)
• Leander Dendoncker (Tottenham Hotspur)
• Amadou Onana (AC Milan)

While some of these players are backups in their respective positions, others—like Godts and Courtois—are established stars. Their exclusion has led to speculation about Garcia’s long-term plans and whether he is intentionally rotating players to keep them fresh for the tournament.

Standout Performances: Who Shone?

Despite the benchings, several players delivered standout performances during the weekend’s matches. The most notable included:

• Kevin De Bruyne: The Manchester City midfielder continued to showcase his creativity, providing two assists in Belgium’s friendly match against Burundi. His ability to dictate play from deep remains a cornerstone of Garcia’s system.
• Jeremie Frimpong: The young winger from Bayer Leverkusen impressed with his pace and dribbling, earning praise from Garcia for his work rate and technical ability.
• Charles De Ketelaere: The AC Milan defender solidified his spot in the squad with a commanding performance, particularly in defensive organization.
• Romelu Lukaku: Though his involvement was limited due to fitness concerns, the Chelsea striker remains a key target for Garcia, who has spoken about his desire to integrate Lukaku into the squad’s attacking structure.

Garcia has been vocal about his ambition for the squad, stating in a recent interview, “Our ambitions know no bounds.” However, the decision to leave seven players unused has tempered some of that optimism, with fans questioning whether Garcia’s rotation strategy will pay off in the long run.

Tactical Insights: Garcia’s Rotation Strategy

Garcia’s approach to squad management appears to be twofold: ensuring depth for the tournament while also testing players in different roles. By leaving certain players on the bench, Garcia may be assessing their adaptability and fitness for the challenges ahead.

For example, the exclusion of Thibaut Courtois—Belgium’s long-time goalkeeper—could signal a shift toward younger options like Simon Mignolet or a renewed focus on Denson Mbabu. Similarly, the omission of Mika Godts might indicate Garcia’s preference for a more fluid defensive line, relying on players like Leander Dendoncker or Dennis Praet for versatility.

This strategy is not without risk. Injuries or unexpected absences could force Garcia’s hand, leaving him with limited options. However, the coach has emphasized preparation and adaptability, suggesting that the squad’s depth will be its greatest asset.

Fan Reactions: Who’s Missing Most?

The omission of certain players has sparked lively debates among Belgian football fans. Polls conducted by local media outlets, such as Sporza and HLN, reveal that Mika Godts is the most missed player, followed closely by Thibaut Courtois and Jason Denayer.

Fans have taken to social media to voice their opinions, with some questioning Garcia’s decisions and others expressing confidence in his long-term vision. The debate underscores the high stakes of squad selection in a tournament as prestigious as the World Cup.

What’s Next for the Red Devils?

Belgium’s next major test will come in their upcoming friendly matches, where Garcia will likely continue to rotate players and fine-tune his tactics. The team is expected to face teams such as Burundi and other international opponents ahead of the World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Belgium, as one of the top-seeded teams, will aim to secure a spot in the knockout stages from the outset.

For now, Garcia’s focus remains on preparation. The coach has indicated that the squad will undergo further training camps and scrimmages to ensure they are tournament-ready. Fans will be watching closely to see how the unused players respond and whether Garcia’s rotation strategy pays off.