[News Terms] Belgium Golden Generation

'Bulgeun Akma' Originator Leads Belgium Golden Generation to FIFA 2nd Place
World Cup Favorite Eliminated in Group Stage, Eyes Set on 2026

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Following the world's strongest Brazil, which country ranks second in the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) rankings? Judging by the FIFA rankings alone, it is certainly at a level capable of contending for the 2022 Qatar World Cup title.

In fact, football powerhouses with world-class strength such as Argentina, France, England, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands all have lower FIFA rankings than this country. Except for Italy, which did not qualify for the Qatar World Cup, all these countries are former World Cup champions.

The country holding the second place in the FIFA rankings ahead of these football giants is Belgium. Belgium is a small country with a population of 11.58 million as of this year. Its area is smaller than Taiwan and comparable to Moldova and Lesotho. Although it is smaller than South Korea in terms of population and area, it is a traditional football powerhouse.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Enzo Scifo, familiar to old football fans, is a world-class football player produced by Belgium. He was the key figure who led Belgium to the semifinals in the 1986 Mexico World Cup. During the prime of Argentina's Maradona, Belgium boasted world-class strength and was regarded as a dark horse in the World Cup.

The original "Red Devils," the nickname of the Korean cheering squad, comes from Belgium. This shows that Belgium takes pride in football.

Belgium experienced a slump after Enzo Scifo's retirement, but with the emergence of the so-called "Golden Generation," it has grown to dominate not only European football but also world football. The FIFA ranking of second place reflects Belgium's current status. In fact, the Belgian national football team is filled with outstanding players comparable to Brazil or Spain in terms of reputation.

Romelu Lukaku, Christian Benteke, Eden Hazard, Marouane Fellaini, Kevin De Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, and Thibaut Courtois form a top-level lineup in all positions, from attack and defense to midfield and goalkeeper.

Most of these players are between 30 and 35 years old. The 2022 Qatar World Cup is the right time for Belgium to dominate world football. Most of them will be in their mid-30s, an uncertain age to play in the World Cup team, four years later. Belgium's strength is likely to decline more in four years than it is now.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Belgium's Golden Generation achieved results worthy of its reputation, ranking first in the FIFA rankings in 2015 and finishing third in the 2018 World Cup. This tournament, they were also considered favorites along with Brazil and Spain.

However, due to various setbacks such as injuries to key players and weakened team cohesion, they faced the fate of having to withdraw from this tournament.

Belgium was in Group F with Morocco, Croatia, and Canada, all of which were considered to have football skills a level below Belgium. Naturally, it was expected that Belgium would finish first in the group, with Morocco, Croatia, and Canada competing for second place.

However, when the curtain was lifted, Morocco topped the group with a comfortable record of 2 wins and 1 draw, earning 7 points. Belgium, with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, remained at 3 points and was pushed to third place by Croatia, who had 1 win and 2 draws (5 points), resulting in Belgium's elimination in the group stage. Considering that Canada lost all three matches and essentially served as a point supplier, Belgium's performance was a shocking result.

Belgium scored only one goal in three matches. Their elimination in the group stage was inevitable. Belgium now has to look forward to the 2026 World Cup. By 2026, when the Golden Generation will be even older, Belgium may face a situation where they have to worry not only about winning the World Cup but also about qualifying for the finals.

It will be interesting to see what form Belgium's Golden Generation will take in 2026, after the weight of four years has been added.