Belgium begin their World Cup journey on Monday as a side entering a period of transition.
The Red Devils, who achieved a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, suffered a disappointing group-stage exit in Qatar four years later. That early departure has paved the way for a new generation of players to share greater responsibility with the seasoned campaigners who have shaped the team’s identity over the last decade.
Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku stands out among these emerging stars, embodying the team’s shift in direction. As he prepares for his second World Cup, the 22-year-old is eager to embrace an expanded role.
At the 2022 World Cup, Doku—who was then playing for French club Rennes—was one of the youngest members of Roberto Martinez’s squad, gaining his first taste of major international football.
Now, following a £55 million transfer and three seasons under Pep Guardiola’s guidance at Manchester City, Doku feels ready to assume a central role for Belgium’s national team.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Doku told FourFourTwo. “This will be my second World Cup, but my first with a different role, a more significant one.”
He continued, “People will look to me more now to make a difference, with the experience I’ve gained. Playing for City and performing at this level has given me another role in the national team. It’s my time to take more responsibility—especially when things are tough, when we’re behind or not performing well. I want to get on the ball, play fearlessly, express myself, and create chances for the team.”
He added, “I’ve developed a real winner’s mentality—especially from my time at City. When I join up with the national team, that attitude stays with me. If you want to win, you have to communicate, share your thoughts, and push your teammates. That’s what I’m doing more now—I’m not hiding or staying quiet. I speak up respectfully, trying to drive the team forward so we can perform at the highest level.”
Doku’s increased sense of responsibility comes as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku approach the twilight of their international careers. At 34 and 33 respectively, this summer’s competition could well be their final World Cup.
“They’ve given so much to our country, and we’re grateful they’re still here, performing at such a high level,” Doku said. “I’m sure they’ll continue to do that in this World Cup.”
He added, “With their age, we know there will come a time when they’re no longer around, and we’re aware of that. The rest of us have to step up—it’s our duty to take that burden off them and ensure Belgium keeps performing.”
Although Belgium may not be considered among the tournament favourites, Doku insists that he and his teammates are determined to give their all.
“Everyone will say they want to win the tournament, and I feel the same. We all share that ambition—to bring back the Belgium that people know, and to see how far we can go. We’re aware that we’re not favourites, but maybe that could work in our favour. We want to leave the tournament with no regrets—knowing that we gave everything. Whatever I can do within my power, I’ll do it.”
– Chris Flanagan, Senior Staff Writer
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