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Kevin De Bruyne is aiming to make the most of what could be his final FIFA World Cup as Belgium prepares to begin its 2026 campaign against Egypt on Monday.
The 35-year-old midfielder is set to appear at football’s biggest tournament for the fourth time and said his perspective on international competitions has evolved after more than 16 years representing Belgium.
"It’s an honor for me to still be here after playing for the national team for about 16 years," De Bruyne said. "Hopefully I can play a good tournament and do something well for Belgium."
The former Manchester City midfielder arrives at the World Cup after a difficult first season with Napoli, where a serious thigh injury kept him out for several months before he returned to action in March.
Since recovering, De Bruyne has regained both fitness and form, making 10 Serie A appearances and scoring in Belgium’s 5-0 win over Tunisia earlier this month.
"I have done everything I could to get fit, and I feel that way too," he said.
Belgium enters the tournament with a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. Alongside established figures such as Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois, winger Jérémy Doku is expected to play an important role.
"Defending Jérémy for 90 minutes is impossible," De Bruyne said. "To play a top tournament, we need a good Doku."
Although Belgium exited the group stage at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the team remains one of Europe’s strongest sides. The squad still includes several members of the group that finished third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Belgium will open Group G against Egypt before taking on New Zealand and Iran, with hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds.
The match against Egypt will also see De Bruyne face Mohamed Salah once again after years of competing against him in the Premier League.
"I played against Mo for 10 years," De Bruyne said. "It will be nice to see him. It will be nice to compete again like old times."
Belgium also received positive news ahead of the tournament, with defender Zeno Debast cleared to remain with the squad despite a leg injury suffered while training with Sporting Lisbon. The 22-year-old is expected to be available later in the competition.