Eden Hazard Reflects on Belgium's Football Journey and Future Prospects
Hazard on the 'Golden Generation' Label
Eden Hazard, the former Belgian football star, has dismissed the media's characterization of the national team as a 'golden generation.' He emphasized that winning the World Cup is a significant challenge, expressing pride in Belgium's third-place finish during the 2018 tournament.
From 2014 to 2022, Belgium showcased remarkable football talent, featuring renowned players like Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Vincent Kompany. This 'golden generation' achieved a quarterfinal finish in 2014, secured bronze in 2018, and faced a disappointing group stage exit in 2022. Prior to this era, Belgium's best World Cup result was a fourth-place finish in 1986.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, key players from this generation, including De Bruyne, Courtois, and Lukaku, remain, alongside emerging talents like Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere. Hazard remarked, 'That is journalist-speak,' regarding the 'golden generation' label, noting the team's collective success and maturity. He acknowledged the difficulty of winning the World Cup but expressed pride in their achievements.
Support for the Next Generation
Now retired, Hazard plans to follow the World Cup as a fan, supporting teams like France, Spain, England, and Portugal, while also hoping for a surprising performance from Ecuador. He is keenly observing the new Belgian talents, including De Ketelaere and Doku, as they prepare to face Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand in Group G, starting June 15 in Seattle.
Hazard stated, 'Belgium is undoubtedly the strongest team in that group,' but acknowledged the challenges of the opening match against Egypt. He believes the squad, blending experienced players with newcomers, can perform freely without the pressure of being favorites, which is less intense than in previous tournaments.
Confidence in Coach Rudi Garcia
Rudi Garcia, who gave Hazard his professional debut in 2008, is now the head coach of the national team. Hazard expressed confidence in Garcia's capabilities, stating that despite his lack of prior experience coaching a national team, he possesses the necessary skills and experience for the role. 'He is a straightforward coach and a great person, which is exactly what we need,' Hazard added.
Belgium's Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Strasbourg)
Defenders: Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Sporting CP), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton), Koni De Winter (AC Milan), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Nathan Ngoy (Lille), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Axel Witsel (Girona)
Forwards: Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Matias Fernandez Pardo (Lille), Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica), Diego Moreira (Strasbourg), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal).