Belgium’s U21 national team has secured direct qualification for next summer’s European Championship, finalizing their spot after a 0-0 draw against Denmark. While the campaign was marked by a disciplined, business-like approach rather than high-scoring spectacles, the result ensured the Young Devils finished at the top of Group I.
Qualification Secured in Denmark
The path to the tournament, which will be hosted by Albania and Serbia from June 16 to July 3, required the Belgian side to earn at least one point in their final group match against direct rivals Denmark. Despite late pressure from the hosts, the defense held firm to maintain a clean sheet. While the match lacked offensive flair, the team’s defensive organization was the defining factor of their campaign, keeping a clean sheet in six of their eight qualifying matches.
Belgium finished the group stage with 17 points from a possible 24. While the team’s defensive record—conceding only two goals throughout the entire qualification phase—was statistically impressive, the offensive output remained a point of discussion. Excluding a 7-0 victory over Wales, the squad managed only six goals across their other seven matches, an area coach Gill Swerts will need to address before the tournament begins.
Midfield Performance Sparks A-Team Speculation
Individual standout Kamiel Van de Perre has emerged as a central figure for the U21 squad. Following his performance against Denmark, where he struck the woodwork with a powerful effort, his role as the team’s primary playmaker has drawn significant attention. La Dernière Heure described him as the “spilfiguur” (pivot) of the Belgian midfield, highlighting his composure in recovery and his ability to dictate the game’s tempo.
Van de Perre’s development has prompted discussions regarding a potential call-up to the senior Red Devils squad under coach Mark van Bommel. Van Bommel acknowledged the midfielder’s potential during his first selection announcement, stating that while the player is on his radar, he requires further development. With the U21 qualification now locked in, reports suggest that a senior call-up in November has become a realistic possibility for the midfielder.
Strategic Challenges for Gill Swerts
As the team shifts focus to the upcoming European Championship, coach Gill Swerts faces a complex roster decision. The challenge lies in integrating players who are already competing for spots in the senior national team—such as those occasionally called up by the A-squad—without disrupting the tactical cohesion established during the qualifying rounds. Swerts must balance the continuity of his core group with the influx of individual talent that may become available for the tournament.
The history of the tournament shows how difficult the task ahead will be. After missing the 2025 edition, Belgium is returning to the European stage for the first time since 2023, when the team failed to progress past the group stage. A successful run to the semi-finals in the tournament would provide an additional incentive, as it would grant Belgium a ticket to the next Olympic Games.
Swerts Refines Final Selection for June Tournament
The coaching staff must now determine how to manage players who have been rotating between the senior and U21 environments. For example, a right-back from Club Brugge, who helped the team qualify before being called up to the senior team, is still eligible for the U21 tournament. The performance of replacements like Denzel De Roeve and Richie Sagrado during the final matches highlighted the depth of the available pool, but Swerts now has the task of refining his final selection before the tournament kicks off in June.
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