World Cup 2026 may be final shot for Salah and Belgium veterans

Mohamed Salah and Belgium stars Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois are preparing for what could be their last opportunity to achieve World Cup success at the 2026 tournament.

The experienced players will compete in Group G, where Belgium and Egypt have been paired with Iran and New Zealand.

Belgium’s celebrated golden generation once appeared destined to win a major title after producing stars including Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, De Bruyne, Lukaku and Courtois.

Despite becoming the world’s top-ranked national team, Belgium’s greatest accomplishment during that era remained a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup.

Now aged 34, De Bruyne and Courtois, along with 33-year-old Lukaku, are approaching what is likely to be their final World Cup appearance.

Courtois returned to the Belgian squad last year after missing Euro 2024 due to a dispute with former coach Domenico Tedesco.

Belgium still possess emerging talents such as Jeremy Doku, Amadou Onana, Charles De Ketelaere and Youri Tielemans, who are expected to complement the senior players.

For Egypt, Salah enters the competition hoping to finally enjoy international success after years of individual brilliance without major trophies for his country.

Egypt have not won silverware since claiming a third consecutive Africa Cup of Nations title in 2010.

Salah’s lone World Cup appearance in 2018 was disrupted by a shoulder injury suffered in the Champions League final, and he is again facing fitness concerns after a hamstring injury limited his final weeks at Liverpool.

Iran are set for a fourth straight World Cup appearance, although geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Israel raised doubts over their participation before US officials dismissed reports of a possible ban.

New Zealand secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a 3-0 win over New Caledonia in the Oceania qualifying final.

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