Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Belgium-Tunisia, likely lineups

Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, the preparation program ahead of the 2026 World Cup closes for Belgium and Tunisia. The two national teams will cross paths on the field for the first time since the final stage of the 2018 World Cup, when the Red Devils won by a clear 5-2 scoreline. For the Belgian selection led by Rudi Garcia, fresh off 12 consecutive useful results and the excellent responses that came against the likes of Croatia and the United States, it will be the final test to sort out the last defensive details. On the other hand, Sabri Lamouchi’s Tunisia will be looking to test its defensive solidity, a key factor in gaining further confidence ahead of a very complicated World Cup round that will see it pitted against the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden.

Rudi Garcia opts for a more attack-oriented team. In front of goalkeeper Lammens, the defensive line sees the experience of Meunier flanked in the center by Mechele and Theate, with De Cuyper on the left flank. In the midfield, Witsel will be paired with Rankin, while in the three-quarter Lukebakio, Vanaken and Moreira will be tasked with inventing and supplying the lone offensive reference, Romelu Lukaku.

Sabri Lamouchi responds instead with a more solid and compact team. Chamakh will defend the posts, protected by a four-man line composed of Valery and Abdi on the outside lanes, with Talbi and Rekik as the central pair. The midfield will be headed by Skhiri, supported by Belhadj Mahmoud and Khedira. Up front, the trident sees Ben Slimane and Gharbi on the outsides, to trigger forward Chaouat.

Probable formations

Belgium (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Meunier, Mechele, Theate, De Cuyper; Witsel, Rankin; Lukebakio, Vanaken, Moreira; Lukaku. All. Garcia.

Tunisia (4-3-3): Chamakh; Valery, Talbi, Rekik, Abdi; Skhiri, Belhadj Mahmoud, Khedira; Ben Slimane, Gharbi; Chaouat. All. Sabri Lamouchi.