Belgian Pro League Forwards Head to 2026 World Cup
A group of forwards from the Belgian Pro League will feature at the 2026 World Cup. The list includes players from Canada, Mexico, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Sweden, Japan and Iran.
Promise David of Union St Gilloise joins Jonathan David to form Canada’s striking duo. Since arriving from Estonia, Promise David helped Union claim its first title in over a century and scored in the club’s Champions League campaign. An injury‑hit season limited his play‑offs involvement, yet he still finished with 15 goals.
Cesar Heurta, listed as Cesar Huerta for Mexico, was an exciting signing for Anderlecht two seasons ago. The 25‑year‑old managed only 17 appearances and two goals this season due to injuries, after a previous spell with Pumas. Jearl Margaritha, a 26‑year‑old winger, earned a World Cup spot after helping Beveren gain promotion and posting seven goals with twelve assists for Phoenix Rising.
Oumar Diakite, on loan at Cercle Brugge from Reims, is among the Côte d’Ivoire forwards. The 22‑year‑old recorded seven goals in 26 games for Cercle Brugge, which declined to trigger his purchase option. Parfait Guiagon of Charleroi, also selected for Côte d’Ivoire, scored 12 goals and supplied five assists in 40 league matches, marking his first double‑figure season.
Gustaf Nilsson, a 29‑year‑old at Club Brugge, made the Swedish squad despite only 11 league appearances and no starts this season. Keisuke Goto, on loan at Sint Truiden from Anderlecht, contributed 12 goals in 40 games to help the Canaries secure European qualification. Alireza Jahanbakhsh joined Dender mid‑season, tallying one goal and one assist in 23 matches, while remaining a regular for Iran. Dennis Eckert qualified for Iran through his grandfather’s migration to Germany.