De Bruyne's World Cup journey
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne ready for fourth World Cup, grateful for long career.
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Kevin De Bruyne is heading into his fourth World Cup — and he is not taking a single minute for granted. The 34-year-old Belgian captain declared himself "100% fit" on June 13 ahead of Belgium's opener against Egypt on June 15 at Lumen Field in Seattle, AP News reported. After a four-month absence due to a muscle tear earlier this year, De Bruyne says he simply wants to "enjoy every aspect" of what is likely his final World Cup campaign.
Belgium enters Group G ranked 9th in the world, according to FIFA. Egypt sits 29th. But after Belgium's embarrassing group-stage exit in Qatar in 2022, coach Rudi Garcia's side knows better than to assume an easy path forward.
From Manchester City to Napoli, De Bruyne Stays Humble
De Bruyne spent a decade at Manchester City, winning 16 major trophies. In July 2025, he moved to SSC Napoli in Italy's Serie A — a deliberate choice to manage his body ahead of this tournament, according to Yahoo Sports. The move was designed to keep him fresh for exactly this moment.
"Much has changed since my time in Manchester," De Bruyne said, per The Hastings Tribune. "I am grateful for my service, but I don't take this fourth appearance for granted." He now carries 119 international caps for Belgium. At 34 years and 352 days old on match day, he knows the clock is ticking.
Injury Scare Behind Him, De Bruyne Ready to Lead
Between November 2025 and February 2026, De Bruyne was sidelined with a serious muscle tear. The injury cast real doubt over his World Cup participation. He returned to action in March 2026, playing for both Napoli and the Belgian national team in international friendlies, according to Newsday.
By June 13, De Bruyne told reporters he felt completely healthy. His fitness is the single biggest variable for Belgium's chances. If he can sustain his intensity across three group games in just 11 days, Belgium's ceiling rises sharply. If not, the "Golden Generation" era may end with a whimper.
Belgium Faces Egypt With More Than Pride on the Line
Egypt has never won a match at the World Cup finals — 0 wins across 7 games in previous appearances, according to Chron. But goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has already called Egypt "the toughest opponent in the group," a clear signal Belgium will not be complacent. Egypt captain Mohamed Salah led his side through an undefeated qualifying campaign.
The stakes could not be higher. Group G also includes Iran and New Zealand. A loss to Egypt would put Belgium in immediate danger of a second straight group-stage exit. That outcome would almost certainly trigger a full reset of Belgium's national team program, per The Hour.
De Bruyne Spreads the Burden to Belgium's Younger Stars
De Bruyne was careful not to put all of Belgium's hopes on his own shoulders. He pointed to 24-year-old winger Jérémy Doku — now seen as the next face of Belgian football — and all-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku, who has 89 international goals, according to Post Register.
"Winning does not fall solely on me," De Bruyne said. Belgium's coach Garcia has built a 4-2-3-1 system that puts De Bruyne's precise long passing at the center. But against Egypt's expected low defensive block, the supporting cast of Doku and Lukaku will need to deliver too. The 68,000-seat Lumen Field is sold out for the opener — a testament to just how much is riding on De Bruyne's final World Cup run.
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