Former Belgium captain Eden Hazard believes the Red Devils are capable of challenging for the 2026 World Cup title and predicts France striker Kylian Mbappe will finish the tournament as top scorer.
Talking to Mark Before Belgium’s quarter-final against Spain, Hazard expressed confidence in his country’s combination of youth and experience and said the current team was capable of success.
“We have a lot of talent and Belgium can surprise everyone and go far at the World Cup; I believe in them. We have a good combination of youth and experience. It’s a shame the Hazard brothers aren’t here… but of course I hope they win the title.”
Hazard calls Courtois the best goalkeeper in the world
Hazard also paid special praise to Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, insisting the Real Madrid goalscorer remains the best in world football despite strong competition from Argentine Emiliano Martinez.
“Thibaut Courtois is the best. I had the opportunity to play with him and he had the opportunity to play with me. Emiliano Martinez is a very good goalkeeper, but Courtois is at a higher level. He is the best goalkeeper in the world and he has proven it time and time again in the most important moments.”
“He’s tall, he has amazing reflexes and he’s great with his feet. Don’t forget he’s the reason we beat Japan in 2018.”
Comparison of Yamal and Golden Boot forecast
Belgium face Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals and much of the attention is expected to be on teenage star Lamin Yamal.
Hazard said the Barcelona winger reminded him of his own emergence as a young player and urged him to continue enjoying football.
“Lamine Yamal reminds me a little of when I started out in the world of football. I was around the same age as him and everyone expected a lot from me. But at the end of the day, if he enjoys playing on the field so much, I’m sure he will do brilliantly at the World Cup.”
“He’s a player that people love to watch. That’s what football is all about: entertaining and inspiring the fans.”
Hazard also highlighted France striker Ousmane Dembele as another player who could make a decisive impact, but believes Mbappe will ultimately claim the tournament’s top scorer title.
“Don’t forget about Dembele, he is also a top-class player. It’s difficult to predict. Let’s see who wins the World Cup. There are still many candidates for the Golden Boot. Personally, I prefer a player who entertains, dribbles and enjoys the game, but at this World Cup I am confident that Mbappe will finish the tournament as the top scorer.”
Belgium dream of another deep run
Speaking about the prospects for Belgium, Hazard expressed hope that the Red Devils will be able to reach the final and even compete for the country’s first world title.
“I certainly hope Belgium gets to the final… Why not play against France again? It could be a great match. It won’t be easy, but I hope they get to the final and maybe win the World Cup. If that doesn’t happen, I think Spain will also go far, we’ll see.”
Hazard also spoke briefly about Xabi Alonso, expressing hope that the Spanish coach will eventually get the time he needs to succeed after facing difficult circumstances.
“I know Xabi Alonso had a hard time at Real Madrid because he didn’t always have enough time, unlike what happened in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen. The Premier League is also difficult, but he knows that well. I hope he can give us what we need.”