In 2002, Belgium arrived at the World Cup in South Korea and Japan with a mix of optimism and expectation. After a solid qualifying phase, which saw the Rode Duivels dominate their group, eyes were set on a team that finally had the potential to shine on the world stage. Iconic players like Marc Wilmots, who had already proven his worth in previous tournaments, and promising young talents like Vincent Kompany, infused new energy into the squad.

The first match against Japan was a true character test. Belgium displayed beautiful sequences of play and managed to secure a draw. However, it was during the second match against Russia that the Rode Duivels truly made an impression: a stunning 3-2 victory that reignited the hope of a beautiful journey. This match was a pivotal moment, not just for the team's campaign but also for the enthusiasm of supporters who began to dream of a run in the knockout stages.

But dreams quickly collided with reality when facing Turkey in the quarter-finals. In a fiercely contested match, Belgium saw their progression halted in a controversial and heartbreaking manner. A penalty awarded to the Turks became the turning point of the match, and despite a courageous performance, the Rode Duivels were eliminated. This defeat left a bitter taste in the mouths of supporters who had seen their team just a step away from the ultimate goal.

The failure of 2002 marked a turning point in the perception of Belgian football. While the team had proven that they could compete with the best, the disappointment of not reaching the semi-finals led to a deep reflection on how Belgian football needed to evolve. Since that day, the quest for a new generation of talents has gained momentum, with a focus on youth development and improving infrastructure.

Today, as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, the Rode Duivels carry with them the lessons of that past. The team is rebuilding on the foundations laid by previous generations, with hopes of transcending disappointments and achieving what many teams before them failed to accomplish. The memory of 2002 remains alive, not just as a simple defeat, but as an essential chapter in the journey of the Rode Duivels towards greatness.