Tielemans named permanent captain of Red Devils
Youri Tielemans has been named the new captain of Belgium ahead of Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein.
Since the retirement of Eden Hazard from international football in 2022, the captaincy has been shared between Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne. Tielemans will now take on the role permanently.
“There was unanimity on this subject among the staff and the players,” coach Rudi Garcia told a press conference on Wednesday. “He is the link between the ‘golden generation’ and the younger players.”
Aston Villa midfielder Tielemans has played 77 times for the national team since he made his debut in 2016, scoring 10 goals. The 28-year-old described being given the captaincy as “an honour”, saying “there are few things more beautiful than that in a career”.
"He is the link between the ‘golden generation’ and the younger players"
Belgium are in Vaduz for their third Group J game on Thursday, before they face Kazakhstan in Anderlecht on Sunday.
At 204th in the FIFA rankings, Liechtenstein are the weakest team in the group on paper, and one of the weakest in the competition. Only San Marino are ranked lower. This is the first time the two teams have faced each other in an official match.
After drawing 1-1 in North Macedonia in their opener in June, the Red Devils beat Wales 4-3 in a thrilling match at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.
They currently sit third in the qualifying group, behind Wales and North Macedonia, who have both played four matches. The team that finishes top will qualify automatically for next summer’s World Cup in the US and Mexico, with the second-placed team entering a play-off.
Star striker Lukaku misses out after suffering a serious thigh injury during a pre-season match for Napoli against Olympiakos in August. He is expected to be out of action for several months.
Youri Tielemans at a press conference in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, 3 September 2025 © BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY
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