The Belgium national soccer team, commonly referred to as the "Red Devils," has a rich history and has experienced various periods of success, especially in recent years. Here is an overview:

History

Founded in 1895, the Belgium national team has a long-standing tradition in international football. They are governed by the Royal Belgian Football Association and played their first official match against France in 1904. The team has participated in numerous international competitions over the decades, gradually building a reputation as a formidable force in European and world football.

Major Successes

• FIFA World Cup: Belgium's most notable achievement came in the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia, where they finished third. This was their best performance in the tournament's history.
• UEFA European Championship: Belgium reached the finals of the 1980 European Championship, finishing as runners-up to West Germany. They have consistently qualified for the tournament in recent years, reaching the quarterfinals in both 2016 and 2020.
• Olympic Games: Belgium won the gold medal in the 1920 Olympic Games held in Antwerp, which remains one of their significant achievements.
• FIFA Rankings: Belgium achieved the number one position in the FIFA World Rankings for the first time in 2015 and have spent multiple periods at the top since then.

Notable Players

• Eden Hazard: Known for his creativity and dribbling skills, Eden Hazard has been one of Belgium's standout players and captained the team during their successful 2018 World Cup campaign.
• Kevin De Bruyne: A world-class midfielder, De Bruyne is renowned for his vision, passing, and ability to score from long range.
• Romelu Lukaku: As one of Belgium's all-time leading goal scorers, Lukaku has been instrumental in the team's attack with his strength and finishing ability.
• Vincent Kompany: A defensive stalwart, Kompany was a key figure in Belgium’s defense and also served as captain for several years.
• Thibaut Courtois: Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Courtois has been crucial in Belgium's defensive successes.

Notable Coaches

• Guy Thys: Managed the team from 1976 to 1989 and led Belgium to the 1980 European Championship final and the 1986 World Cup semifinals.
• Marc Wilmots: A former player turned manager, Wilmots coached Belgium during their rise to prominence in the early 2010s.
• Roberto Martínez: Appointed in 2016, Martínez guided Belgium to a historic third-place finish in the 2018 World Cup.

The Belgium national team continues to be a major force in international soccer, with a mix of experienced leaders and emerging talents shaping their future prospects.