Rode Duivels Begin US Stage with Fresh Faces and Returning Stars

Tubeke, Belgium – The Belgian national football team, the Rode Duivels, convened in Tubeke on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, before departing for a training camp and a pair of international friendly matches against the United States and Mexico. The squad welcomes back several key players recovering from recent injuries, alongside exciting new talent, including debutant Nathan De Cat.

The team’s gathering marks the beginning of preparations for upcoming competitions, and the atmosphere is one of renewed optimism as the injury list begins to shorten. Zeno Debast, a defender for Sporting, is back in contention after a four-month absence due to injury, and expressed his relief at being fully fit again. “It was 4 long months, but I am very happy to be back and to be able to say that I am pain-free,” Debast said, according to reports. He acknowledged needing to regain peak form after a series of substitute appearances for his club.

A Blend of Experience and Youth

The presence of experienced players like Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne is seen as crucial, both for their on-field contributions and their leadership qualities. While Lukaku’s participation in the US trip was initially confirmed, a later announcement revealed his withdrawal from the squad. Thomas Meunier emphasized the importance of these veterans in guiding the younger players. “Their experience weighs heavily. They require to be there. That is always positive for the atmosphere and they serve as an example for the younger players. We need everyone, Lukaku and De Cat,” Meunier stated.

The arrival of Nathan De Cat, a young player from Anderlecht, has generated considerable excitement. Debast spoke highly of his former teammate, expressing pride in seeing a talent from the Anderlecht academy join the national team setup. “I am very proud that there is another boy from Neerpede in the squad with Nathan. He is already leading Anderlecht now and that is nice to notice,” Debast commented. De Cat was notably dropped off at the training facility by his mother, a detail that captured the attention of local media.

Debast Returns from Injury

Zeno Debast’s return to the squad is a significant boost for coach Domenico Tedesco. Having battled a lengthy injury layoff, Debast is eager to contribute to the team’s success. He acknowledged the difficulty of being sidelined, describing it as a challenging period in his career. “It wasn’t nice to be on the sidelines for so long. It was the first time I had experienced something like that. It was difficult to experience everything from the sidelines, but it’s part of being a footballer,” he said.

The Rode Duivels’ training camp in the United States will serve as a vital preparation period ahead of their matches against the USMNT on Saturday and Mexico on Wednesday night. The team is focused on building cohesion and fine-tuning their tactics as they gear up for future challenges. The squad is taking the stage seriously, with a clear sense of purpose as they embark on this important journey.

Looking Ahead: US and Mexico Matches

The upcoming matches against the United States and Mexico represent valuable opportunities for the Rode Duivels to test their strengths and identify areas for improvement. The games will also provide a platform for players like De Cat to showcase their talent on the international stage. The team’s coaching staff will be closely evaluating performances and making adjustments as needed.

The friendly matches are particularly important as they fall ahead of major international tournaments. The experience gained during this US trip will undoubtedly be beneficial as the Rode Duivels prepare to compete against the world’s best teams. The focus remains on building a strong team spirit and developing a winning mentality.

The team’s departure for the United States signals a new chapter for Belgian football, one filled with promise and potential. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the Rode Duivels are determined to make their mark on the global stage.

The team will continue training in Tubeke today before flying to the United States tomorrow.

Next up for the Rode Duivels are their matches against the United States on Saturday evening and Mexico on Wednesday night. Stay tuned to Archysport for full coverage of these games and all the latest news from the Belgian national team.