Kevin De Bruyne has played in three World Cups. He says this next one will be the first he actually enjoys.
The Belgian captain, now 35 and playing for Napoli, is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a noticeably different vibe. Belgium qualified unbeaten, and they’ll face Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand in the group stage.
A shift in mentality
De Bruyne’s previous World Cup appearances in 2014, 2018, and 2022 each came with escalating pressure. 2014 was the announcement of Belgium’s arrival. 2018 was supposed to be the coronation. 2022 was the last chance. None of them ended with a trophy.
When De Bruyne says this is the fourth World Cup he “can enjoy,” he’s really saying the burden has lifted. For a player who has scored over 36 international goals across his career, many of them in qualifying rounds, there’s a freedom in simply being present without the obligation to deliver a miracle.
