Belgian squad for friendly matches before the World Cup: Rudi Garcia names three debutants in the squad for matches in the US and Mexico

Belgian coach Rudi Garcia has included three uncapped players in his squad for a training camp and friendly matches in the United States ahead of the World Cup.

Garcia called up a group of 28 players on Friday, consisting of 17-year-old Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat, Ajax winger Mika Godts and Saint-Etienne striker Lucas Stassin for matches against the United States and Mexico.

Garcia said he opted for a larger group because many players are returning from injuries and because the trip to North America is a chance to try out new and young faces for the World Cup.

“This is the reason we have three new players in the squad, three players under 21,” he says.

Asked about De Cat’s selection, Garcia said: “talent does not wait for age.”

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“Eden Hazard started with me very, very early in Lille, Rayan Cherki started with me at the age of 16 in Lyon,” he said. «And I also think he has an athletic profile that we don’t have much in Belgium.»

Belgian toppers Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are back after injury, but Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is missing after tearing a muscle in his right thigh during a Champions League match.

Garcia said Courtois is likely to be ruled out for up to six weeks.

Belgium will face the United States in Atlanta on March 28 and Mexico three days later in Chicago.

The World Cup starts in June.

Published on March 20, 2026