Witsel feels positive energy in the Belgian camp ahead of the World Cup match against Egypt

Belgian veteran Axel Witsel feels a renewed energy in his country’s World Cup selection. He wants to put a disastrous tournament of four years ago behind him and get an outside shot this time in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Few football players at the World Cup have had as long an international career as 37-year-old Witsel, who made his international debut in 2008 and is participating in his fourth World Cup this year.

He was part of Belgium’s “golden generation” that reached the quarter-finals in 2014 and the semi-finals in 2018, but also in the team that lost in the first round in Qatar in 2022.

He announced his retirement from international football shortly afterwards, but was then brought over for the 2024 European Championship, where he served as cover and was once again part of the World Cup squad.

«I’m really happy to be here. Not everyone gets the chance to participate in a fourth World Cup, and I’m proud of that,» he told reporters.

“When I look at this team, it might be similar to 2014 in Brazil, with that mix of experienced players, the new generation and the atmosphere we have within the group.

“Rudi Garcia has managed to breathe new life into the entire team,” Witsel said of the French coach who was appointed early last year.

“As soon as I returned to the group, I felt that little positive something, that extra spark, especially since the start of our preparations. Being at a World Cup remains the highest level. I realize how important it is to be part of an event like this.”

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Witsel, relegated from LaLiga with Girona at the end of the season, is mainly used off the bench.

«I know my role, and it is different than before. The coach knows he can count on me, both as a starter and when he comes off the bench. I am available, that is why I am here,» he added.

«The most important thing is the group. There are no egos in this team. We don’t like that kind of thing. That’s why the atmosphere is really good.»

Published on June 13, 2026