Rode Duivels' path clear: South Korea or Australia await next

The knockout-stage path for the Belgian national team is taking shape as the World Cup group stage nears its conclusion. Five of the twelve groups have already been decided, with Belgium still in contention for a top-two finish or a spot among the best third-placed teams. If Belgium top their group, they will face the third-placed team from either Group A, H, I, or J. South Korea is currently the most likely opponent in 70% of remaining scenarios, with Uruguay, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Iraq, Austria, and Algeria as less probable alternatives. A group-stage win would see Belgium play on Wednesday, 1 July at 22:00 in Seattle. In the next round, they could face hosts USA or another third-placed team, with a potential quarter-final against Spain. Should Belgium finish second in their group, they would face the runner-up from Group D: Australia. That match is scheduled for Friday, 3 July at 20:00 in Dallas. A second-round tie against Argentina, featuring Lionel Messi, would follow.

Belgium’s fate hinges on New Zealand clash

If Belgium progress as one of the best third-placed teams, they are almost certain to face the winner of Group B: Switzerland. That match would take place on 3 July at 05:00 in Vancouver. An eighth-final against either Portugal or Colombia would follow. An alternative route as a best third-placed team—now considered unlikely—would pit Belgium against the winner of Group I: either France or Norway. That match would be played in New York on 30 June, just three days after Belgium’s final group game, with a potential next-round clash against Germany. Belgium can secure a top-eight finish among third-placed teams with a draw against New Zealand, which would leave them with three points and a goal difference of zero. A loss to New Zealand would eliminate them from the tournament with two points and a negative goal difference.

USA salvage draw, Germany and Netherlands seal wins at chaotic World Cup night

Four teams are already confirmed among the best third-placed teams: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Sweden, each with four points. Belgium cannot finish with four points but would still qualify as one of the top eight third-placed teams with a draw against New Zealand. South Korea and Scotland are among the other third-placed teams that would finish behind Belgium in goal difference if Belgium draw with New Zealand. At least two other third-placed teams are expected to finish below Belgium in that scenario.