Red Devils Get Royal Support as King Philippe Backs Belgium for World Cup
Belgium’s national football team, the Red Devils, have received a significant morale boost ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with King Philippe personally reaching out to offer his support. In a video call with head coach Rudi Garcia, captain Youri Tielemans, and star striker Romelu Lukaku, the King declared that “the whole nation is behind you” as the team prepares to face Egypt on Monday evening at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Royal Call Lifts Spirits
On Sunday, June 14, King Philippe held a relaxed and warm video conversation with the Red Devils’ leadership trio. According to RTBF, the King told the players: “Toute la nation est derrière vous” (“The whole nation is behind you”) and “Nous sommes de tout cœur avec vous” (“We are with you with all our hearts”).
The King also expressed confidence in the team’s prospects, noting that “with a good atmosphere within the group, everything is possible.” The conversation was reportedly lighthearted, with the King even sharing a joke with Lukaku, as reported by Sporza. The Belgian Red Devils shared a video of the call on social media with the caption: “Royal support to start our World Cup journey.”
A Feline Oracle Joins the Fray
In a lighter twist, Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s cat, Maximus, has entered the prediction game. Dubbed “Maximus the Octopussy” — a playful nod to the legendary German octopus Paul who correctly predicted multiple matches during the 2010 World Cup — the feline has forecast a Belgian victory against Egypt, according to VRT NWS.
The initiative reportedly comes from the Prime Minister’s staff, as De Wever himself is not known as a major football enthusiast. Maximus has already demonstrated his predictive prowess by correctly calling Mexico’s win over South Africa in the tournament’s opening match.
Belgium’s World Cup Challenge
The Red Devils are making their first appearance at a World Cup since their group-stage exit in 2022. Under new head coach Rudi Garcia, who is making his World Cup debut as a manager, Belgium is looking to recapture the form that saw them finish third at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
Belgium is placed in Group G alongside Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. Their opening match against Egypt — featuring star player Mohamed Salah — is widely regarded as the toughest test in the group phase.
The team arrived in Seattle several days ago, using special blue-light and red-lens filter glasses during the long flight to combat jetlag. Experts have confirmed that such glasses can help reduce the effects of jetlag, though they are not a complete solution.
What’s at Stake
For Belgium’s so-called “Golden Generation,” now in transition with several aging stars and emerging talents, this World Cup represents a crucial opportunity. The team is seen as a potential dark horse, though not among the absolute favorites.
There are also personal stakes for some players. Star winger Jeremy Doku is expecting his first child — a son — around the time of the Round of 16, and has stated he does not want to miss the birth, raising questions about his availability should Belgium advance deep into the tournament.
A Nation United
The King’s public show of support has reinforced a sense of national unity around the team. With the match scheduled for Monday evening, fans across Belgium are preparing to gather at public viewing events and World Cup villages to cheer on the Red Devils.
As the team takes the field in Seattle, they carry with them the backing of a monarch, the quirky prediction of a Prime Minister’s cat, and the hopes of an entire nation. Whether Maximus the cat’s forecast proves accurate remains to be seen, but for now, the Red Devils can take confidence from knowing that — in the King’s words — the whole nation is behind them.
Belgium’s Group G campaign continues with matches against Iran on June 21 in Los Angeles and New Zealand on June 27 in Vancouver.