New faces join the Belgian national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers

Belgium Squad Announced for World Cup Qualifiers

After missing the June call-up due to injury, Joaquin Seys, a fullback from Club Brugge, has been called up to the Belgium squad for the upcoming World Cup qualification matches against Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein.

The squad, managed by Rudi Garcia, includes a mix of familiar faces and newcomers. Defenders Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Sporting), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton), Koni De Winter (AC Milan), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt), and Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge) are all set to represent the Red Devils.

In midfield, Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), and the debutant Charles Vanhoutte (Union St Gilloise) will aim to control the game.

Upfront, Michy Batshuayi (Eintracht Frankfurt), who has been recalled as an extra attacker to cover for the injured Romelu Lukaku, will lead the line. He will be joined by Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Malick Fofana (Olympique Lyonnais), Lois Openda (RB Leipzig), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal), and Diego Moreira (Racing Strasbourg).

The absence of Lukaku, Belgium's top scorer with 89 goals in 124 appearances, is a significant one. He is expected to be out for the next six internationals through to November.

Belgium currently sits third in Group J with four points from two games, behind North Macedonia (8 points) and Wales (7 points, having played four matches). Wales will face Liechtenstein on September 1, while Belgium will host Kazakhstan on September 7. Kazakhstan, who have three points in Group J, will provide a tough test for the Red Devils.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old goalkeeper Mike Penders, on loan from Chelsea to Racing Strasbourg, has received his first summons to the Belgium squad. His inclusion adds depth to the goalkeeping department, which also includes Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest), and Maarten Vandevoordt (RB Leipzig).

Timothy Castagne, another defender, has returned to the squad after injury, adding further strength to the defensive line.

The upcoming matches present an opportunity for the newcomers to make their mark and for the established players to continue their impressive form. The Red Devils will be aiming to secure vital points and maintain their push for a spot in the World Cup.