Squad selection and debutants in Tubize

Mark van Bommel announced his first squad as head coach of the Belgium men's national football team on Friday at the National Football Centre in Tubize. Appointed to the post on 15 August 2026, the Dutch manager named an expanded squad ahead of an intensive four-match Nations League schedule across eleven days. The roster features two uncapped players in AZ goalkeeper Jari De Busser and Club Brugge right-back Kyriani Sabbe. The roster also includes returning players Roméo Lavia of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain winger Mika Godts, Parma midfielder Mandela Keita, Sunderland forward Malick Fofana, and Lyon striker Loïs Openda, who was omitted from the previous World Cup roster. Van Bommel explained the expanded squad size during his press conference in Tubize.

“That is why I called up 23 instead of the usual 20 players.”

Roster absences, injuries, and retirements

The selection incorporates adjustments due to fitness issues and international retirements across positions. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois announced a break from the national team, choosing to bypass the Nations League with plans to return for Euro 2028 qualification. Midfielder Amadou Onana remains sidelined as he recovers from a serious knee injury sustained during the World Cup. Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku was omitted after missing a month of club action due to injury, while defender Thomas Meunier was not retained. Midfielder Axel Witsel and goalkeeper Matz Sels had previously confirmed their retirements from international football, whereas Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken earned selection despite carrying a minor injury.

Four Nations League fixtures in eleven days

A compressed autumn international calendar will see Belgium contest four fixtures in eleven days starting late September. Van Bommel will make his managerial debut on 25 September in Rome against Italy. The team then plays two consecutive home fixtures, hosting France on 28 September in Brussels and Turkey on 2 October in Liège. Belgium finishes the initial block with an away match on 5 October against France at the Stade de France in Paris. The Nations League group phase concludes in mid-November with a road match against Turkey in Izmir on 12 November and a final home game against Italy in Brussels on 15 November.

Player distribution and public survey findings

The squad list blends experienced starters with emerging players across European leagues. Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans, and Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin anchor the midfield group, while Fenerbahce forward Romelu Lukaku and Atalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere lead the attacking options alongside Besiktas forward Leandro Trossard and Benfica winger Dodi Lukebakio. Van Bommel also reunited with Keita, whom he coached during his tenure at Royal Antwerp. An RTBF public survey conducted ahead of the announcement saw readers back 22 of the 26 players from Rudi Garcia's World Cup squad, with 12 players capturing over 90% backing, led by Tielemans at 99%, Raskin at 98%, and De Cuyper at 98%.

Youri Tielemans99%

Nicolas Raskin98%

Nathan Ngoy98%

Maxim De Cuyper98%

Senne Lammens97%

Mike Penders96%

Timothy Castagne93%

Kevin De Bruyne91%

Zeno Debast90%

Hans Vanaken82%

Youri Tielemans

99 %

Nicolas Raskin

98 %

Nathan Ngoy

98 %

Maxim De Cuyper

98 %

Senne Lammens

97 %

Mike Penders

96 %

Timothy Castagne

93 %

Kevin De Bruyne

91 %

Zeno Debast

90 %

Hans Vanaken

82 %

Data from the article text