As Belgium prepares for their upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and France, coach Domenico Tedesco faces a significant dilemma: the uncertain futures of two of his star players, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
De Bruyne, a veteran of 105 appearances for his country since his debut in 2010, has hinted at retirement from international football after the European Championship in July. The 33-year-old Manchester City midfielder has expressed concerns about the demanding schedule for both club and country, putting him at risk of injury.
Meanwhile, Lukaku, Belgium’s record goalscorer with 85 goals in 119 appearances, finds himself in a transfer limbo. The 31-year-old forward is currently awaiting a move to Napoli after being deemed surplus to requirements by Chelsea. His absence from Chelsea’s first-team training has further fueled speculation about his future. Lukaku’s last international appearance was in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal defeat against France on July 1, and his fitness for the upcoming Nations League games remains a question mark.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois announced his decision to boycott international football as long as Tedesco remains the coach. Courtois, widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, was excluded from the Euro 2024 squad due to a disagreement with Tedesco last year.
With the European Championship disappointment still fresh, Tedesco is expected to make significant changes to his squad for the upcoming Nations League matches. The game against Israel, originally scheduled for Brussels, has been relocated to Debrecen, Hungary, and will take place on September 6. Three days later, Belgium will face France in Lyon.
The upcoming matches will be crucial for Tedesco as he navigates the team’s transition towards the next World Cup in 2026. With the future of key players hanging in the balance, Belgium’s Nations League campaign promises to be a defining moment for the team’s international ambitions.
