Belgium Ahead of Saturday's Match

Belgium Arrives Undermanned but Still Dangerous

Saturday's opponent brings a rich footballing tradition to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, even if Belgium's famed golden generation has given way to a transitional squad still finding its identity under first-year manager Rudi Garcia.

Garcia, who took charge in January 2025 after previous club stints at Lille, Roma, Marseille, Lyon and Napoli, has his work cut out for him in assembling a cohesive unit ahead of this summer's World Cup. Belgium qualified comfortably from their group but arrived in Atlanta facing a notable injury crisis. All-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku, who has an extraordinary 89 goals in 124 international appearances, is sidelined with a thigh injury, a significant blow to a side that has long relied on him as its focal point up front. Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken and Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard are also absent due to physical issues, leaving the squad notably lighter than originally planned.

Even so, the talent on hand remains formidable. Kevin De Bruyne, returning to the squad after his own injury absence, anchors a midfield that also features Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans and Nicolas Raskin. That is a group capable of controlling any game at the international level.

Up front, Garcia has no shortage of options to replace Lukaku. Jeremy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere, Alexis Saelemaekers and Lois Openda all offer pace, creativity and goal threat. De Ketelaere has been a consistent presence leading Belgium's attack and figures to do so again here.

In goal, Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels is the likely starter with first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois not in the squad. Belgium's World Cup group, which features Egypt, Iran and New Zealand, is navigable, but Garcia will want answers from these two North American friendlies before June arrives.