In the high-stakes world of international football, the gap between a player’s statistical output and their standing with the fans can sometimes be a canyon. For Loïs Openda, that canyon has suddenly become an abyss. In a recent comprehensive fan poll imagining the 26-man Belgium 2026 World Cup squad fan predictions, the RB Leipzig star—usually a focal point of the Belgian attack—stunned observers by securing a mere 11% of the vote.
The results reveal a Belgian electorate that is increasingly looking toward the future, favoring raw potential and versatility over established names. While the “Golden Generation” continues to cast a long shadow, the appetite for a tactical shift is evident, particularly in the attacking third where the fans have opted for a blend of explosive pace and emerging youth over the traditional target-man approach.
This exercise in squad-building serves as a fascinating barometer for the mood surrounding the Red Devils as they prepare for the 2026 tournament across North America. While the final decisions rest with the coaching staff, the disparity in these numbers highlights a growing tension between current form and fan expectation.
The Attacking Shake-up: Youth over Experience
The most striking aspect of the fan selection is the aggressive pivot toward new blood. Jérémy Doku remains the undisputed favorite, commanding a staggering 96% of the vote. His ability to disrupt defenses is viewed as indispensable, closely followed by the enduring presence of Romelu Lukaku at 91% and Charles de Ketelaere at 88%.
However, the real story lies in the “surprise” selections. Julien Duranville, currently on loan at FC Basel from Borussia Dortmund, has emerged as a fan favorite with 74% of the vote. After battling injuries and limited minutes in Germany, Duranville’s resurgence in Switzerland has captured the imagination of the Belgian public, who now view him as a primary catalyst for the 2026 campaign.
The attacking depth is further bolstered by a desire for unpredictability. Leandro Trossard (84%), Dodi Lukebakio (83%), and Alexis Saelemaekers (80%) maintain strong support, but the inclusion of Mika Godts (70%) suggests that the fans are eager to integrate the next wave of talent into the Royal Belgian Football Association setup.
Adding to the intrigue is the case of Matias Fernandez-Pardo. The young talent, who recently formalized his change of sporting nationality to represent Belgium, has also secured 74% of the vote, marking him as a significant “X-factor” for the future of the national team.
Midfield Stability and the Veteran Debate
While the attack is a place of volatility, the midfield remains a bastion of consistency. There is almost total consensus on the core of the team, with five names appearing as near-certainties in the eyes of the voters.
| Player | Fan Approval Rating | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Youri Tielemans | 95% | Playmaker |
| Kevin De Bruyne | 94% | Creative Hub |
| Amadou Onana | 94% | Defensive Midfielder |
| Nicolas Raskin | 92% | Box-to-Box |
| Hans Vanaken | 92% | Central Midfielder |
The only point of contention in the engine room concerns the final roster spot. The debate pits the veteran experience of Axel Witsel, who garnered 60% of the vote, against the emerging profile of Nathan De Cat, who sits at 56%. It is a classic clash of philosophies: the reliability of a seasoned campaigner versus the energy of a newcomer.
Defensive Nuances and Tactical Versatility
The defensive selections were largely predictable, with one notable exception. In the battle for the final spot in the backline, Diego Moreira edged out Koni De Winter, receiving 64% of the vote compared to De Winter’s 57%.
Moreira’s appeal lies in his versatility. The Strasbourg-based defender is viewed not just as a defensive option, but as a player capable of sliding into midfield or even supporting the attack. In a tournament format where squad flexibility is paramount, the fans have prioritized a “Swiss Army knife” player over a specialist.
This preference for versatility mirrors the broader trend seen across the entire 26-man list. From the wing-backs to the forwards, the voters are prioritizing players who can occupy multiple roles, reflecting the modern tactical demands of the FIFA World Cup.
The juxtaposition of these results—the adoration for Duranville and the snubbing of Openda—suggests a fanbase that is no longer satisfied with mere consistency. They are searching for a spark, a level of dynamism that they believe the current crop of established strikers may be lacking.
As the road to 2026 continues, these fan sentiments will likely put additional pressure on the technical staff to balance the wisdom of experience with the hunger of the youth. The official squad announcement will eventually provide the answer, but for now, the fans have made their vision for the Red Devils crystal clear.
The next critical milestone for the Belgian national team will be the upcoming slate of international fixtures, where several of these “fan favorites” will have the opportunity to prove their worth in a competitive environment before the final World Cup qualifying phases.
Do you agree with the fans’ snub of Openda, or is the hype around Duranville premature? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
