KRC Genk defender Josué Kongolo and Club de Fútbol Monterrey striker Hugo Cuypers have earned their first call-ups to the Belgium national team. Head coach Mark van Bommel selected the uncapped duo for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Turkey and Italy, injecting fresh faces into a squad that also marks the return of winger Jérémy Doku.
The selection process took an unexpected turn regarding defensive personnel following a withdrawal from Koni De Winter. The 24-year-old defender declined his call-up after logging limited playing time during the previous international window and the World Cup. Van Bommel addressed the decision directly during the squad announcement.
“Dit heeft op lange termijn natuurlijk wel gevolgen, want wij werken altijd vooruit.”
Van Bommel stated regarding De Winter’s absence, noting that the player made an early career choice to decline national selection at age 24. To reinforce the defensive line in his absence, the coaching staff turned to Kongolo, whose emergence at Genk caught the attention of the national setup.
Alongside the defensive adjustments, Cuypers provides an alternative option in attack.
Analyst Philippe Albert advocated for Mika Godts to retain a starting role on the left wing, citing the youngster’s current momentum and confidence. Albert suggested deploying Doku as a second-half substitute after the hour mark. Conversely, fellow Fred Waseige argued for Doku’s immediate return to the starting XI out of respect for his past contributions, while acknowledging the balancing act required for squad management and group cohesion.
Matías Fernández Pardo misses out on the selection entirely, sidelined once again due to illness following a previous bout that interrupted his club and international availability.
🇧🇪🗣️ | Mark van Bommel : « D'ici un 1 an et demi à l’EURO 2028, d'autres situations peuvent survenir, mais à l’heure actuelle Josué Kongolo peut se montrer pleinement. » https://t.co/SlMz3NG8Pd
Full Belgium Squad for Nations League Fixtures
Goalkeepers: Senne Lammens, Maarten Vandevoordt, Mike Penders, Jari De Busser
Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Kyriani Sabbe, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Josué Kongolo, Maxim De Cuyper, Joaquin Seys
Midfielders: Roméo Lavia, Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans, Mandela Keita, Kevin De Bruyne, Hans Vanaken
Forwards: Diego Moreira, Jérémy Doku, Dodi Lukebakio, Mika Godts, Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Romelu Lukaku, Hugo Cuypers
Upcoming Nations League Schedule
The Red Devils gather at the national training center ahead of their scheduled UEFA Nations League matches. Belgium faces Turkey first before squaring off against Italy, with Van Bommel’s newly shaped roster set to be tested in competitive continental action.
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