Can Belgium's Football Team Finally Win a Major Tournament in 2024?

I remember sitting in a local Brussels café during the 2018 World Cup, surrounded by fellow Belgians holding our breath as our Red Devils faced France in the semifinals. That 1-0 loss still stings, but it’s moments like these that make me wonder—can Belgium's golden generation finally clinch a major tournament victory in 2024? The question isn’t just on my mind; it’s buzzing across football forums, social media feeds, and sports bars from Antwerp to Liège. With key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku still in phenomenal form, there’s a tangible sense of hope mixed with urgency. After all, this squad has been knocking on the door for nearly a decade, reaching the World Cup semifinals in 2018 and consistently ranking among FIFA’s top three teams since 2015.

Now, let’s talk about timing and context. I recently came across an interesting piece of news set for Wednesday, December 18, at 5 p.m., hosted at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. While this event isn’t directly tied to Belgium’s Euro 2024 campaign, it reminds me how global football conversations are interconnected—every match, big or small, feeds into the broader narrative. For Belgium, the road to 2024 glory hinges on more than just talent; it’s about overcoming past near-misses. Take the 2022 World Cup group stage exit, for instance—a shocker that left many of us questioning the team’s mental fortitude. Yet, under manager Domenico Tedesco, there’s been a noticeable shift. Younger talents like Jérémy Doku are injecting fresh energy, while veterans bring wisdom from over 200 combined international caps. Personally, I think their success will depend on balancing attack and defense—something they’ve struggled with in high-pressure knockout games.

But here’s where I get realistic. Belgium’s defense, while improving, still feels vulnerable against top-tier opponents. In their last 10 competitive matches, they’ve conceded roughly 1.4 goals per game on average, a stat that needs tightening. Compare that to teams like France or England, who often maintain sub-1.0 averages, and you see the gap. Still, I’m optimistic because of their midfield mastery. De Bruyne’s vision alone can dismantle defenses, and with Youri Tielemans pulling strings, they control possession like few others. Off the pitch, fan support is colossal—I’ve lost count of the times I’ve seen Brussels’ Grand Place flooded with red and black on match days. That unity matters; it fuels the players.

Looking ahead to 2024, I believe Belgium’s fate rests on avoiding injuries and leveraging their experience. If they can stay healthy—especially key players over 30—they’ll have a real shot. Rival teams are formidable, no doubt, but this Belgian side has the grit to rewrite history. So, back to that original question: Can they finally win? In my heart, yes, though my head says it’ll be a nail-biter. Whatever happens, I’ll be cheering from my couch, probably with a Belgian beer in hand, hoping this is the year they silence the doubters once and for all.