Thomas Meunier
Unused in final two World Cup games
Meunier made three appearances at the 2026 World Cup.
Analysis: Meunier would not see the field in the final two games of what could be his final World Cup match, as the defender went unused against the USA and Spain. He would start in two of his three appearances, earning an assist from the bench in the round of 32, potentially ending his World Cup career on a good note. That said, he is now 34 and is likely to retire from international play before 2030.
Set for free agency
Meunier has left Lille after his contract with the club expired.
Analysis: Meunier made 25 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille last season, contributing one goal and two assists across 1,910 minutes, and signed for the club in 2024 following spells at Trabzonspor, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint Germain. The 34 year old right back, currently representing the Belgium's national team at the 2026 World Cup, now becomes a free agent as he looks for his next destination this summer.
Earns assist
Meunier assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Wednesday's 3-2 victory against Senegal.
Analysis: Meunier came off the bench in the 72nd minute and played a major part as Belgium came back for a win, as the defender earned an assist just eight minutes after coming on the field to start their comeback. This does give the veteran his first goal contribution of the tournament, coming when they needed it most. He would also earn an interception and four clearances, as Senegal didn't score again after he entered the match.
Quiet performance in draw
Meunier generated three crosses (zero accurate) and two tackles in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus Iran.
Analysis: Meunier had a subdued outing in Sunday's goalless draw with Iran, contributing three crosses (none accurate), one interception and two tackles in a match where Belgium's right side was significantly less threatening than the left channel where Maxim De Cuyper consistently created danger. His reliability and defensive experience remain valuable assets heading into the upcoming fixture, but a stronger attacking contribution down the right side will be needed if Belgium are to find the width and variety required to break down New Zealand's defense.
Limited impact from right-back
Meunier had one shot (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 1-1 draw versus Egypt.
Analysis: Meunier had a difficult evening as Belgium's right-back in Monday's 1-1 draw with Egypt, registering one shot on target, one accurate cross and one tackle in a match where his side struggled to combine effectively down the right side and his forward runs rarely created the danger his team needed to break down a compact Egyptian defensive block. His ability to contribute in both directions will need to be more consistent in the remainder of Belgium's group stage campaign, with the right flank a key area for improvement heading into the Iran fixture.
Plays in friendly
Meunier (undisclosed) was rested for Lille's season finale against Auxerre and featured in Thursday's 3-0 training match victory over Standard de Liege's reserve side, confirming he is fully available and expected to hold a starting role for the Red Devils at the World Cup, according to Yves Taildeman of DH Net.
Analysis: Meunier had been absent from Lille's final league fixture as a precautionary measure rather than any injury concern, and his participation in the national team's training match is the clearest sign yet that he heads into the tournament in good health. The experienced right-back ends the club season with one goal, three assists and 40 tackles across 33 games (26 starts) in all competitions for Lille, having been one of their most reliable defensive presences throughout the campaign, and will now shift his full attention to helping Belgium make a deep run at the World Cup this summer, as he is expected to start at right back for the Red Devils.
Will miss season finale
Meunier (undisclosed) was not included in the squad for Sunday's final league fixture of the season against Auxerre, according to the club.
Analysis: Meunier's absence is a notable blow for Lille given his status as an undisputed starter at right-back, and the timing is particularly frustrating with the World Cup with Belgium approaching in June. His unavailability is compounded by the absence of Tiago Santos, leaving Ayyoub Bouaddi expected to fill in at right-back for the final fixture of the campaign. The right-back finishes the season with one goal, three assists and 40 tackles across all competitions, having been one of the more reliable presences in the defensive unit throughout the year.
Two shots from defense
Meunier recorded two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-0 win over Monaco.
Analysis: Meunier had a rare stat line Sunday, as the defender recorded multiple shots in the defense. However, the defender still only has his three goal contributions in league play this season. He also recorded one clearance, two tackles and two interceptions in the defense.
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