RENTON, Washington — Kevin De Bruyne said he’s determined to make the most of what could be his final World Cup as Belgium prepares to begin its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Egypt on Monday.The 35-year-old midfielder is set to make his fourth appearance on football’s biggest stage and admitted he now views international tournaments through a different lens after more than 16 years with the national team.”It’s an honor for me to still be here after playing for the national team for about 16 years,” De Bruyne said. “Hopefully I can play a good tournament and do something well for Belgium.”The former Manchester City star enters the tournament after a challenging first season with Napoli, where a serious thigh injury sidelined him for several months before his return in March.Since recovering, De Bruyne has regained fitness and form, making 10 Serie A appearances and scoring in Belgium’s 5-0 victory over Tunisia earlier this month.”I have done everything I could to get fit, and I feel that way too,” he said.Belgium heads into the tournament with a blend of experienced stars and emerging talent. Alongside veterans Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois, much attention is focused on winger Jérémy Doku, whom De Bruyne believes could play a decisive role.”Defending Jérémy for 90 minutes is impossible,” De Bruyne said. “To play a top tournament, we need a good Doku.”Belgium remains one of Europe’s most respected national teams despite a disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The current squad still includes several members of the country’s celebrated “Golden Generation” that finished third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.The Red Devils open Group G against Egypt before facing New Zealand and Iran, with many expecting them to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.Monday’s opener will also reunite De Bruyne with Egypt captain Mohamed Salah, his longtime Premier League rival.”I played against Mo for 10 years,” De Bruyne said. “It will be nice to see him. It will be nice to compete again like old times.”Belgium also received a boost ahead of the tournament after defender Zeno Debast was cleared to remain with the squad despite a leg injury suffered while training with Sporting Lisbon. The 22-year-old is expected to become available later in the competition.
RENTON, Washington — Kevin De Bruyne said he’s determined to make the most of what could be his final World Cup as Belgium prepares to begin its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Egypt on Monday.The 35-year-old midfielder is set to make his fourth appearance on football’s biggest stage and admitted he now views international tournaments through a different lens after more than 16 years with the national team.”It’s an honor for me to still be here after playing for the national team for about 16 years,” De Bruyne said. “Hopefully I can play a good tournament and do something well for Belgium.”The former Manchester City star enters the tournament after a challenging first season with Napoli, where a serious thigh injury sidelined him for several months before his return in March.Since recovering, De Bruyne has regained fitness and form, making 10 Serie A appearances and scoring in Belgium’s 5-0 victory over Tunisia earlier this month.”I have done everything I could to get fit, and I feel that way too,” he said.Belgium heads into the tournament with a blend of experienced stars and emerging talent. Alongside veterans Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois, much attention is focused on winger Jérémy Doku, whom De Bruyne believes could play a decisive role.”Defending Jérémy for 90 minutes is impossible,” De Bruyne said. “To play a top tournament, we need a good Doku.”Belgium remains one of Europe’s most respected national teams despite a disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The current squad still includes several members of the country’s celebrated “Golden Generation” that finished third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.The Red Devils open Group G against Egypt before facing New Zealand and Iran, with many expecting them to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.Monday’s opener will also reunite De Bruyne with Egypt captain Mohamed Salah, his longtime Premier League rival.”I played against Mo for 10 years,” De Bruyne said. “It will be nice to see him. It will be nice to compete again like old times.”Belgium also received a boost ahead of the tournament after defender Zeno Debast was cleared to remain with the squad despite a leg injury suffered while training with Sporting Lisbon. The 22-year-old is expected to become available later in the competition.
