Belgium U17 Chase Historic European Title 49 Years in the Making
Belgium’s U17 national football team stands on the brink of history as they face Italy in the final of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship on Sunday evening at the Lilleküla Staadion in Tallinn, Estonia. A victory would secure only the second European title ever won by a Belgian national team at any level, and the first in 49 years.
Kick-off is set for Sunday evening, with the match broadcast live on Sporza. The young Belgian squad, known as the Jonge Duivels (Young Red Devils), enters the final having already made history by reaching their first-ever U17 EURO final, according to UEFA.
A 49-Year Wait for Glory
The last time a Belgian team won a European title was in 1977, when the U19 squad (then U18) defeated Bulgaria 2-1 in the final at the Heizel Stadium in Brussels. That legendary team featured future stars including Erwin Vandenbergh, who won the European Golden Shoe in 1980, and Raymond Mommens, the record holder for most official matches in the Belgian first division, as Het Laatste Nieuws reports.
Since then, Belgian teams have reached semi-finals on multiple occasions but never broken through to claim a title — until now, this U17 generation has the chance to end the drought.
Tournament Journey
Belgium’s path to the final has been impressive. After topping Group A with wins over Croatia (2-0) and Estonia (1-0) despite a narrow loss to Spain (1-0), the team delivered a statement performance in the semi-final against France.
According to Sporza, goals from Jayden Onia Seke and Ilyas Benktib secured a 2-1 victory over France at the Kadrioru Staadion on June 4, sending Belgium to their first U17 EURO final. The win was all the sweeter given that France had eliminated Belgium at the same stage the previous year.
The Opponent: Italy
Italy presents a formidable challenge. The Azzurrini are the reigning champions, having won the U17 EURO in 2024 with a 3-0 victory over Portugal. They are the only undefeated team at the 2026 finals and reached the final after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Spain in the semi-finals.
Italy defeated Belgium 2-1 in the group stage, with Samuele Inacio scoring twice. However, Belgium’s coach Sven Vermant and his squad have shown they learn quickly, and the final offers a chance for redemption on the biggest stage.
The Talents Behind the Run
This U17 squad is brimming with young players who are already making waves in Belgian professional football. As Sporza detailed, the starting XI features several players who have already debuted at senior level.
Captain Jaden Mbavu, just 16 years old, has made 22 starts for Jong Genk in the Belgian second division and leads the team with maturity beyond his years. Goalkeeper Mattis Seghers (Anderlecht) has drawn praise for his commanding presence and crucial saves, particularly in the semi-final against France.
Jayden Onia Seke, who scored the opening goal in the semi-final, holds the record as the youngest player ever to debut in Belgian professional football. Ilyas Benktib has already accumulated 23 appearances for Antwerp’s first team and brings verticality and energy to the midfield.
“I’m no longer just happy to play,” Benktib told Sporza. “I feel I have to show something. Whether I’m 17 or 35.”
What a Victory Would Mean
A win would mark only the second European title in Belgian football history and the first in 49 years, signaling the emergence of a new golden generation. Several players are already on the radar of top Belgian clubs and could attract international attention following the tournament.
The achievement would also validate the “Football First” philosophy and winning mentality that the Belgian Football Association has been cultivating under technical director Vincent Mannaert.
Beyond the EURO, this U17 generation has already qualified for the U17 World Cup in November 2026, where they will face Argentina, Tunisia, and Fiji in the group stage. Success in Tallinn would provide invaluable momentum.
The Final Challenge
Coach Sven Vermant has emphasized his team’s hunger. “We are very satisfied because this is historic,” he said after the semi-final, as reported by HLN. “But our hunger is not yet satisfied. We aim for the highest possible.”
All eyes will be on Tallinn as Belgium’s young stars attempt to do what no Belgian team has done in nearly half a century: bring home a European title.