Youri Tielemans Named New Belgium Captain Ahead of World Cup Qualifier
Youri Tielemans has been named the new captain of Belgium ahead of Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein, reports 24brussels.
Since Eden Hazard’s retirement from international football in 2022, the captaincy has been shared between Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne. Tielemans will now assume the role permanently.
Coach Rudi Garcia confirmed the decision during a press conference on Wednesday, stating, “There was unanimity on this subject among the staff and the players. He is the link between the ‘golden generation’ and the younger players.”
Aston Villa midfielder Tielemans, who has represented the national team 77 times since his debut in 2016, expressed that being named captain is “an honour,” emphasizing that “there are few things more beautiful than that in a career.”
“He is the link between the ‘golden generation’ and the younger players”
Belgium will play in Vaduz for their third Group J match on Thursday before hosting Kazakhstan in Anderlecht next Sunday.
Ranked 204th in the FIFA standings, Liechtenstein is considered the weakest team in the group, with only San Marino below them. This encounter marks the first official meeting between the two nations.
After a disappointing 1-1 draw against North Macedonia in June, the Red Devils rebounded with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Wales at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.
Currently third in the qualifying group, Belgium trails behind Wales and North Macedonia, both of whom have played four matches. The top team will automatically qualify for next summer’s World Cup in the US and Mexico, while the second-placed team will enter a play-off.
Notably, star striker Lukaku will miss the upcoming matches following a serious thigh injury sustained during a pre-season match for Napoli against Olympiakos in August. He is expected to be sidelined for several months.
