Belgium at the Qatar World Cup 2022: Group, Schedule of Matches, Star Players, Roster, and Coach

Belgium secured their place for the 14th time in the 22nd edition of the quadrennial FIFA World Cup finals tournament in Qatar. This confirmation came after the Red Devils settled for a one-all draw in their last match against their closest rivals, Wales, in the UEFA qualification stage. As predicted, Belgium flawlessly conquered four other European nations in a round-robin encounter to score a total of 20 points from six wins and just two draws.

Having maintained the number one spot for almost three years in the FIFA ranking between 2018 and 2020, it is very surprising, or perhaps sheer misfortune, that a team dubbed the "Golden Generation" is yet to record any significant success in one or more of the three major competitions they've featured in recent times. The North Western European country will seek to break that jinx in Qatar 2022.

Belgium was pitted against its European counterpart Croatia, a North American side Canada, and a North African country, Morocco in Group F. The two European heavyweights appear most likely to make it through to the next phase. Croatia's loss against France in the finals of the 2018 campaign in Russia will still be fresh, hence a competitive encounter for the top spot finish in Group F is highly anticipated.

Of the fourteen times the Red Devils have qualified for the prestigious tournament, their heftiest achievement was recorded in Russia 2018 when they defeated England in a two unreplied goal thriller in the Third place encounter. Their 3rd position was seen as a huge disappointment by a cross-section of fans, as they were considered favorites to win the competition. In the table below, a summary of Belgium's all-time performance in the biggest football tournament has been drawn up for your viewing pleasure

A couple of players who featured in the last World Cup for the Reds have either retired or lost their place to younger players in recent times. Roberto Martinez would relish taking advantage of this star-studded team to land the illustrious trophy in the country's capital. Their failure to clinch the trophy in 2018 was a blow they wouldn't forget in a hurry. Though they sit 2nd in the current FIFA ranking, one shy of their position the last time they featured in the tournament, this takes nothing away from the fact that the wealth of experience the team possesses is capable of ripping any opponent apart in the forthcoming World Cup. Manchester City's playmaker Kevin de Bruyne still has what it takes to provide the spark that the Red Devils need. Eden Hazard, who has struggled to live up to expectations for the Spanish giants, has qualities that cannot be overlooked as the Real Madrid's forward is keen to get back to his good old days.

• Star Players: Kevin De Bruyne, Romeo Lukaku, Jan Vertonghen. Eden Hazard;
• Players to Watch Youri Tielemans, Yannick Carrasco, Dries Martens;
• Captain and Vice Captain: Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne;
• World Cup appearances (Last): 14 (2018)

While the Belgium side would welcome some fine-tuning of tactics, Roberto Martinez would stick with the formation used in the 2022 Nations league. The individual quality of the squad is still intact and though they might have lost the first position to Brazil in the current FIFA World Ranking, they are still considered one of the teams to beat in Qatar 2022.

Formation: 3-4-2-1 (Left to Right): Thibaut Nicolas Courtois, Zeno Koen Debast, Toby Albertone Alderweireld, Jan Bert Vertonghen, Thomas Meunier, Youri Marion Tielemans, Axel Laurent Witsel, Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden M. Hazard, Mitchy.A. Batshuayi.
Extras: Simon Mignolet, Lois Openda, Dries Merten, Timothy Castagne, Leandro Trossard, Has Vanaken, Charles De Ketelaere. Koen Casteels, etc.

49 years old (as at the time of writing) Roberto Martinez is the head coach of the Belgium National football team. The former Real Zaragoza defensive midfielder took charge of the Belgium side in 2016 and guided the team to third place, their best-ever position in the FIFA World Cup. Having coached Wigan and Everton in the past, Martinez has ruled out speculations of a return to any of his former clubs after the Belgium Football Federation affirmed that he will be at the helm of affairs in Qatar 2022.

• Manager (Nationality): 3 August 2016 (Spain)
• Date hired: 3rd August 2016;
• Record as national team manager (Competition and Friendlies): 55W - 12D - 9L;
• Major titles since hire: None;
• Greatest achievement: Third Place in Russia 2018 World Cup

To say that the Belgium side is the favorite to top Group F, is no disrespect to Croatia, Canada and Morocco, will not be out of place. Even though their European rival in the group will have one eye on that spot, the Red Devils are bookmakers' favorites for clinching the zenith position in the entire Group F encounter. Apart from just making it through the group stage, Martinez will want to improve on the position attained in their last outing in the tournament by going all out to win the title. In an era where more than 60% of their players are regular starters in their various clubs, Belgium's blend of youth and experience carries the intimidating credentials necessary to muscle out other participating countries.