FIFA World Cup 2026: De Bruyne and Lukaku criticized as Belgium stumble against Iran

Belgian media attacked Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku on Monday after the Red Devils were held to a goalless draw by Iran in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E match in Los Angeles.

The result gives Belgium only two points from two games and threatens to leave the group stage at the World Cup for the second time in a row. Rudi Garcia’s side will need a strong performance against New Zealand on Friday to keep their hopes of qualification alive.

“Embarrassing”, Flemish newspaper The Latest News wrote after Belgium’s disappointing performance on Sunday. “They can’t even beat Iran!”

The Dutch-language publication was particularly critical of De Bruyne, 34, and Lukaku, 33, using a digitally outdated image of the couple with gray hair and beards for an article headlined ‘The World Cup retirement home’.

Frustration over Belgium’s failure to defeat an opponent considered weaker on paper bridged the country’s linguistic divide.

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French-language daily The free described De Bruyne’s performance as «bleak», comparing him to a «former» Hollywood actor who was willing to take on any role «just to stay relevant».

Garcia was also criticized for not substituting his senior players sooner, while Le Soir blamed central defender Nathan Ngoy, whose departure after a mistake with around 30 minutes to go left Belgium’s hopes «going up in smoke».

“The Devils are at a dead end,” the newspaper wrote.

Belgium, who were also eliminated in the group stages of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, now face another early exit unless they can beat New Zealand in their final group match.

Published on June 22, 2026