Belgian and European media simultaneously criticized the poor performance of the “Red Devils”, even warning that this team is approaching a shameful defeat at the 2026 World Cup.
In the early morning of June 22, the Belgian team continued to become the center of controversy after a 0-0 draw against Iran in the second match of Group G at the 2026 World Cup. This result left coach Rudi Garcia’s team facing a fierce wave of criticism from the European media.
The newspaper Voetbalkrant, one of Belgium’s major sports sites, did not hesitate to use the phrase “shame is looming” to describe the national team’s current situation. According to this newspaper’s assessment, without the miraculous saves of Thibaut Courtois, Belgium could have even left empty-handed against Iran.
The disappointment grew even greater as the expected generation with stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, or Leandro Trossard has yet to bring home a victory after two matches. Belgium currently has only 2 points and must beat New Zealand in the final match if they want to decide their own chances of advancing.
Not only the domestic press, but international media also appeared harsh on the European representative. Spain’s Marca called the performance against Iran a “disaster for the Belgian team”, while emphasizing Courtois as a rare bright spot in the lineup.
Meanwhile, the French daily L’Équipe assessed that Belgium is pushing itself into a dangerous position by continuously dropping crucial points. The team once considered a candidate to contend deeply in the tournament now faces the risk of being eliminated right from the group stage.
The Sporza site also described the draw against Iran as a disappointing result, especially as the Belgian strikers continued to waste a series of scoring opportunities.
Two matches, two draws, and having yet to make any significant mark, the Belgian team is causing doubts to grow increasingly larger. If they continue to disappoint in the final match, the “golden generation” of Belgian football could close out the 2026 World Cup with one of the most forgettable campaigns in the national team’s history.
