Rode Duivels' successors ranked in Top 50 Talent List

Belgium’s national team will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Belgian Football Association has identified emerging talent to potentially succeed the current squad. The Talent Top 50 ranks the country’s most promising players under age 23.

Johan Bakayoko leads the latest edition at number one. The 21-year-old winger, currently at PSV Eindhoven, has earned praise for his pace and dribbling. Club teammate Joep van den Berg ranks fourth, recognized for his defensive midfield contributions.

Genk’s duo Hugo Siquet and Mathis Servais occupy spots two and three. Siquet, a 20-year-old right-back, has already made his senior international debut. Servais, 19, is a left-back with strong attacking instincts.

Anderlecht’s Ousmane Diakhaby sits at fifth. The 22-year-old forward has scored eight goals in 22 Jupiler Pro League matches this season. Club teammate Lucas Stassin is ranked seventh for his midfield creativity.

Standard Liège’s Aron Drossart completes the top ten at eighth. The 22-year-old midfielder has provided three assists in his last five league games. Club teammate Rasmus Højlund, now at Manchester United, ranked sixth last edition.

The list includes players from eight different Belgian Pro League clubs. KRC Genk and RSC Anderlecht each contribute two players to the top ten. PSV Eindhoven and Standard Liège each have one representative.

Rasmus Højlund’s rise to the Premier League highlights the list’s international trajectory. His transfer to Manchester United last summer marked a significant step in his development. The 20-year-old has since scored four Premier League goals.

The Belgian Football Association will monitor these players closely ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Their progress will determine potential call-ups for future international cycles.