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Belgium national football team

The Belgium national football team is the men’s international football team of Belgium.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Belgium national football team is the men’s international football team of Belgium. Governed by the Royal Belgian Football Association, it has represented Belgium since its first official match in 1904 and competes in FIFA and UEFA competitions. The team is commonly known as the Red Devils and plays most home matches at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.

History

Belgium played its first official international match in 1904, beginning one of Europe’s earliest national-team histories. The team has since become a regular competitor in major FIFA and UEFA tournaments.

Identity and administration

The team is controlled by the Royal Belgian Football Association, Belgium’s football governing body, and is affiliated with UEFA and FIFA. Its nickname, the Red Devils, reflects Belgium’s national colours and is used across the country’s main languages.

Home ground

Belgium plays most of its home fixtures at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. The venue is the team’s principal national stadium for major fixtures.

Notable achievements

Belgium’s standout senior men’s tournament finish is third place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The team also won the Olympic football tournament in 1920, a result often cited in its historical honours.

Key facts

  • Belgium’s men’s national team has represented the country in international football since 1904.
  • The team is governed by the Royal Belgian Football Association and competes under FIFA and UEFA.
  • Its common nickname is the Red Devils, with Dutch, French and German-language variants used in Belgium.
  • Most home matches are played at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.
  • Belgium’s best-known tournament result is third place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
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Canadian context

Belgium is a frequent opponent for Canada in international football contexts and is relevant to Canadian readers through FIFA and UEFA competition coverage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Belgium national football team?
It is Belgium’s men’s international football team, representing the country in FIFA and UEFA competitions.
What is Belgium’s nickname in football?
The team is commonly called the Red Devils, with Dutch, French and German-language forms used in Belgium.
When did Belgium play its first official match?
Belgium’s first official match was played on 1 May 1904, a 3–3 draw against France in Brussels.
Where does Belgium play home matches?
Most home matches are played at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.
Who is Belgium’s all-time top scorer?
Romelu Lukaku is listed as Belgium’s top scorer in the provided sources.
What is Belgium’s best World Cup result?
Belgium finished third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium_national_football_team
    Supports: First official match in 1904, governing bodies, home stadium, match record as of 10 July 2026.
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium_national_football_team
    Supports: Nickname, FIFA code, top scorer, coach and captain fields.
  3. FootballHistory.org — https://www.footballhistory.org/national/belgium.html
    Supports: Historical tournament achievements including 2018 World Cup third place and 1980 European Championship runner-up finish.
  4. FotMob — https://www.fotmob.com/teams/8263/overview/belgium
    Supports: Home stadium, current ranking, squad size, current head coach.
  5. National Football Teams — https://www.national-football-teams.com/country/20/2026/Belgium.html
    Supports: Governing body, founding year, FIFA entry year, confederation.
  6. Soccerbase — https://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=275
    Supports: Current squad player data and recent national-team roster details.