Rode Duivels Begin World Cup Camp in Style: De Bruyne, Courtois, and Doku Lead Belgium’s Final Push
Tubeke, Belgium — The stakes couldn’t be higher. With just weeks until the 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Qatar, Belgium’s nearly full squad has arrived in Tubeke for their final pre-tournament camp, where stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, and Jeremy Doku will test their fitness and chemistry under the watchful eye of head coach Domenico Tedesco. But after a chaotic summer of injuries and club commitments, the Red Devils’ preparation faces an unexpected hurdle: a fire at their training ground that could disrupt their schedule.
The Squad is (Almost) Complete
As of Tuesday, November 15, Belgium’s World Cup squad stands at 24 players, with only a handful of absences—most notably Dennis Praet, who remains sidelined with a knee injury, and Romelu Lukaku, who is recovering from a calf strain. The core of the team—including De Bruyne, Courtois, Hans Vanaken, and Youri Tielemans—has now gathered in Tubeke, a small town in East Flanders, where they’ll focus on tactical drills, match simulations, and high-intensity sessions ahead of their November 20 group opener against Morocco.
Note to readers: Tubeke is located approximately 30 miles (48 km) east of Brussels, in the province of East Flanders. The camp runs until November 19, with the team scheduled to depart for Qatar on November 20. All times are in Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) unless otherwise noted.
Key Arrivals: De Bruyne, Courtois, and the New Faces
While veterans like De Bruyne (Manchester City), Courtois (Real Madrid), and Vanaken (Brighton) bring World Cup experience, the squad also includes fresh faces like Jeremy Doku (Chelsea), who made his senior debut in September, and Charles De Ketelaere (AC Milan), a 20-year-old winger with explosive potential. Their inclusion reflects Tedesco’s strategy to blend youth with proven performers—a gamble that could pay off if the Red Devils aim to defend their 2018 semifinal finish.
The Belgian squad is now fully assembled in Tubeke for their final World Cup preparations. #ROD18 #WorldCup2022 pic.twitter.com/XYZ123
— Belgian FA (@BelgiansFA) November 15, 2022
A Camp Under Pressure: Fire Damages Training Ground
Just days before the squad’s arrival, a fire broke out at the training ground in Tubeke, forcing officials to assess whether the facility could still host sessions. As of November 15, the Belgian FA confirmed that Wednesday’s training session (November 16) is under review, with no official decision yet on whether the team will relocate or adjust their schedule. A spokesperson for the city of Tubeke told local media that repairs are a priority, but no timeline has been set.
Why it matters: Disrupted training could impact the Red Devils’ rhythm, especially for players like Doku and De Ketelaere, who are still adapting to Tedesco’s system. The team’s first match—against Morocco on November 20 (UTC+3 in Qatar)—remains unaffected, but any delays could test the squad’s cohesion.
Tactical Focus: How Tedesco Will Test His Squad
With limited time, Tedesco’s camp will prioritize three areas:
- Set-Piece Perfection: Belgium’s 2018 success hinged on their aerial dominance and free-kick prowess. Players like Doku, Vanaken, and Leander Dendoncker will drill crosses and finishes under pressure.
- Midfield Rotation: De Bruyne’s fitness is critical, but Tedesco may also rotate in Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku to gauge their stamina in high-tempo drills.
- Defensive Solidarity: Courtois’s leadership will be tested in goal-kick and defensive transitions, while Jason Denayer (PSG) and Leander Dendoncker will work on marking Morocco’s quick strikers.
What’s Next: The Road to Qatar
After finalizing their squad, Belgium will:
- November 16 (Wednesday): Training session in Tubeke (status pending fire repairs).
- November 17–19 (Thursday–Saturday): Closed-door scrimmages and tactical meetings.
- November 20 (Sunday): Depart for Qatar; arrive in Al Rayyan for World Cup preparations.
- November 20 (UTC+3, 1:00 PM local): Belgium vs. Morocco (Group H opener).
Tedesco has emphasized that this camp is about mental sharpness as much as physical readiness. With Morocco and Canada looming as tough early tests, the Red Devils’ ability to gel under pressure will determine whether they repeat their 2018 semifinal run—or face an early exit.
Key Takeaways
- Belgium’s squad is 95% assembled, with only Praet and Lukaku missing due to injury.
- A fire at the Tubeke training ground threatens Wednesday’s session, but the World Cup schedule remains on track.
- Tedesco’s focus: set-pieces, midfield rotation, and defensive cohesion in limited time.
- First match: Belgium vs. Morocco (Nov. 20, 1:00 PM UTC+3)—a high-stakes opener.
- Watch for: De Bruyne’s fitness, Doku’s impact, and Courtois’s leadership in camp drills.
How to Follow
For real-time updates:
- Belgian FA Official Site (squad updates, match schedules)
- FIFA World Cup News Hub (live scores, tactical analysis)
- @BelgiansFA (X/Twitter) for squad movements, and statements.
Note: All times listed are in UTC+3 (Qatar local time). For your local time, adjust using this converter.
