Kevin De Bruyne
Likely plays final World Cup
De Bruyne generated two shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Friday's 2-1 defeat against Spain. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 85th minute.
Analysis: De Bruyne was back in the starting role for Belgium as they faced Spain after going unused against the USA. The veteran would play 86 minutes, notching two shots and a cross in the loss. He goes home from the World Cup with not his best tournament, as his age is possibly catching up with him, only earning one goal on 20 shots and zero assists on 10 chances created. That said, this will likely end his international career, as the midfielder would be 39 when the next World Cup comes around.
Taken off after 56 minutes
De Bruyne registered two shots (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Wednesday's 3-2 victory against Senegal.
Analysis: De Bruyne was not too involved in Wednesday's match despite the win, as he was taken off in the 56th minute in a shocking move. He would record a few shots and crosses to go along with a chance created in his time on the field, although his actions were not enough to change the tide. With Belgium finding its momentum once he was off the field, it does raise some questions heading into the round of 16, but it would likely bring even more questions if he didn't remain a starter.
Scores goal in victory
De Bruyne scored one goal to go with seven shots (two on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and six corners in Friday's 5-1 victory versus New Zealand.
Analysis: De Bruyne capped Belgium's dominant performance with the third goal in the 66th minute, becoming just the second Belgian player to score at three different FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018 and 2026), matching the milestone Romelu Lukaku reached earlier in the same match. He pulled the strings from start to finish, tallying seven shots (two on target) and four chances created while dictating the tempo of an attack that piled up 35 shots, the third-most Belgium have ever recorded in a World Cup match. De Bruyne's masterclass was at the heart of the Red Devils' emphatic 5-1 win, sealing top spot in Group G.
Most creative player on pitch
De Bruyne generated five shots (one on goal), 10 crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Iran.
Analysis: De Bruyne was Belgium's most creative force in Sunday's goalless draw with Iran, registering five shots (one on target), three corners, three key passes, ten crosses (two accurate) and one tackle across 87 minutes before being replaced by Matias Fernandez-Pardo as Belgium pushed desperately for a late winner. The midfielder's best moment came in the second half when his precise cutback found Maxim De Cuyper at point-blank range, only for Alireza Beiranvand to produce a remarkable reflex save that denied what appeared to be a certain goal, and he also forced Beiranvand into a strong stop with a long-range effort earlier in the match. With Belgium needing a win against New Zealand to avoid a second consecutive group stage elimination, De Bruyne's ability to unlock defensive blocks with his delivery, movement and shooting from distance will be the key factor in determining whether this Belgian generation finally delivers at a major tournament.
Leads attack with four shots
De Bruyne recorded four shots (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Monday's 1-1 draw versus Egypt.
Analysis: De Bruyne was Belgium's most dangerous creative presence in Monday's 1-1 draw with Egypt, registering four shots (one on target), two corners, four crosses and a free kick that struck the outside of the post in the second half before Lukaku's introduction changed the match. The Napoli midfielder controlled the tempo from a central attacking role and was consistently involved in Belgium's best attacking moments, combining with Leandro Trossard and Youri Tielemans to probe an Egyptian defensive block that sat deep and conceded space only in transition. His ability to deliver from dead balls, drive into the box and create from deep make him Belgium's single most important player at this tournament, and a more clinical finishing performance from his teammates will be needed if his creative output is to translate into results.
Key creator for Belgium
De Bruyne figures to be one of the most impactful players at the 2026 World Cup for Belgium, having been named in the squad as the undisputed creative engine of the Red Devils heading into the summer tournament.
Analysis: De Bruyne has shown flashes of his best form since joining Napoli, contributing five goals and two assists across 18 Serie A appearances while also generating 36 key passes and delivering 58 crosses including 39 corners, underlining his continued importance as a set-piece specialist and creative hub. The numbers are particularly impressive given that a thigh injury wiped out roughly half of his season, limiting his ability to build consistent momentum with his club. De Bruyne remains Belgium's most dangerous weapon and the player around whom coach Rudi Garcia builds his entire attacking system. His ability to dictate tempo, unlock defenses with incisive passing and deliver dangerous set pieces makes him a genuine difference-maker. Belgium have been drawn in a group that offers a realistic path to the knockout rounds, and De Bruyne's health and form will be the single biggest factor in determining how far the Red Devils can go. Getting him to the tournament fit after a disrupted club season was always the priority, and his inclusion in the squad confirms he has come through the thigh injury in good shape.
Dishes out helper in Udinese game
De Bruyne assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and four chances created in Sunday's 1-0 win versus Udinese.
Analysis: De Bruyne didn't start but came in very early for Alisson Santos and threaded the needle to set up Rasmus Hojlund's deciding goal, recording his fourth assist of the season. He created multiple chances in his final four displays, racking up 10. A massive thigh injury limited him to 21 appearances (16 starts). He put up five goals, four helpers, 30 shots (11 on target) and 40 key passes.
Picks up secondary assist against Pisa
De Bruyne (eye) created one scoring chance and had two crosses (two accurate), one tackle (zero won) and one secondary assist in 31 minutes in Sunday's 3-0 win over Pisa.
Analysis: De Bruyne was brought off the bench as he didn't have a clean week of training, with Eljif Elmas taking his place, but he contributed to the rout by starting the action that led to the final goal. He has posted at least one key pass in three consecutive displays, totaling six, scoring and assisting once and adding two shots (two on target) and three tackles (one won) during that stretch. Additionally, this marked his ninth showing in a row with one or more crosses, for a total of 32 (seven accurate). Instead, he interrupted an eight-game streak with at least one corner in this one.
Makes bench for Pisa tilt
De Bruyne (eye) is an option, but won't get the nod from the jump in Sunday's contest versus Pisa.
Analysis: De Bruyne will eventually make a cameo after being forced to skip one match because of a wound. Eljif Elmas is taking his place over Giovane between the lines. De Bruyne has scored and assisted once, in the same game, in the previous five rounds, adding four shots (three on target), 10 chances created and 22 crosses (five accurate).
Will return against Pisa
De Bruyne was spared versus Bologna out of an abundance of precaution because he needed stitches after a blow to the head in training, but he's been cleared for Sunday's away game versus Pisa, La Gazzetta dello Sport informed.
Analysis: De Bruyne was inadvertently elbowed by a teammate in the last training session before the previous game and was held out mostly because of a wound, but he's resumed practicing and will probably be back in the XI at the expense of Giovane on Sunday. He has notched at least one cross and one corner in eight straight matches since returning from injury, racking up 30 (five accurate) and 19, respecitvely, scoring and assisting once and adding 10 shots (four on target) and 16 chances created over that span.
Out to face Bologna
De Bruyne (eye) is out for Monday's match against Bologna.
Analysis: De Bruyne was labeled a late call just ahead of Monday's match and will miss out altogether, as the midfielder is suffering from an eye injury. He is a starter, so this does force a change, with Giovane working into the starting XI in his place. A return for De Bruyne is not known, although only two games remain in the season.
Questionable for Bologna match
De Bruyne might miss Monday's game versus Bologna because of a late minor physical problem, Sky Italy reported.
Analysis: De Bruyne picked up a small injury in the last training session and might be spared altogether. Giovane is currently considered the favorite to start next to Alisson Santos. Frank Anguissa and Matteo Politano would also be candidates to fill in if De Bruyne were ruled out.
Subdued showing versus Como
De Bruyne recorded one cross (one accurate), one clearance and one corner and created two scoring chances in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Como.
Analysis: De Bruyne did the bare minimum in this one, failing to follow up his strong performance against Cremonese in a positive fashion. He has sent in at least one cross in all nine matches since returning from a major thigh injury, racking up 30 deliveries (five accurate) and tallying 16 key passes and 19 corners during that stretch. Instead, he ended a three-game streak with one or more shots in this one.
Scores and assists versus Cremonese
De Bruyne scored one goal and assisted once from two shots (two on target) and three chances created in Friday's 4-0 win against Cremonese.
Analysis: De Bruyne recorded his first goal contributions since returning from a major thigh injury, feeding Scott McTominay before a tidy effort from midrange and stripping an opponent in the box and slotting it home shortly thereafter. He improved to five goals and two assists in the campaign. He has registered at least one cross, totaling 29 (four on target), and one corner, amassing 18, in the last seven matches, adding 14 chances created and four tackles (three won) during that stretch. Moreover, this marked his third consecutive outing with at least one shot, for a total of five (three on target).
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