Kevin De Bruyne has cast doubt over his international future with the Belgian national team. The midfielder stated there is no rush to make a decision about continuing his career with the Red Devils.
The 35-year-old Manchester City player addressed the issue during an interview. "There's no urgency to make a decision," he said, leaving multiple scenarios open. This statement comes as Belgium actively prepares for the 2026 World Cup finals in North America.
What is Belgium's upcoming schedule?
The Red Devils have a busy schedule in the coming months. They will play their final qualifying matches in October before beginning their preparation for the global tournament. The full match schedule can be found on our fixtures page.
The national team, managed by Domenico Tedesco, has had a strong qualifying campaign. They currently sit top of their group with a positive record. Belgium has won six of its eight matches and suffered only one defeat. This consistency has provided a solid foundation ahead of the major event.
What is De Bruyne's current role?
Kevin De Bruyne remains a central figure for Belgium despite his age. An experienced captain, he has earned 102 caps and scored 27 goals for his country. His detailed statistics and those of the entire squad are available on our stats page.
His influence on the game is considerable. During recent campaigns, he has often been decisive in key moments. His vision and passing quality make him a unique player in the Belgian midfield. The question of his potential replacement is therefore pressing for the technical staff.
Who could replace him if needed?
Several young talents are emerging in Belgian football. The midfield includes players like Charles De Ketelaere, who plays for Atalanta, and Amadou Onana at Everton. These players could see their responsibilities increase if De Bruyne steps away.
The current squad composition shows a generation in transition. You can view the full list of eligible players on our squad page. The table below shows some key midfielders in the selection:
| Player | Club | Age | Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City | 35 | 102 |
| Youri Tielemans | Aston Villa | 29 | 68 |
| Amadou Onana | Everton | 25 | 22 |
| Charles De Ketelaere | Atalanta | 25 | 15 |
| Arthur Vermeeren | Atlético Madrid | 20 | 8 |
This range of options shows that successors exist, even if De Bruyne's experience is difficult to fully replicate.
What's next for the Red Devils?
The national team must now focus on its technical and physical preparation. The friendly matches scheduled before the World Cup will be crucial for refining collective understanding. Belgium clearly aims for a significant performance in 2026 after recent disappointments in major tournaments.
Belgium's position in the FIFA rankings allows them to view the group stage favorably. You can follow the ranking evolution on our standings page. Kevin De Bruyne's decision will directly influence Domenico Tedesco's tactical plans. The manager will need to adapt his system depending on the availability of his historic playmaker.
The situation remains open. De Bruyne will likely make his decision after consulting his family and assessing his physical condition at the end of the club season. Meanwhile, Belgian fans are holding their breath, hoping to see their maestro participate in one last great adventure with the national team shirt.
