Toby Alderweireld flags unrest after Belgium defeats

Toby Alderweireld, the former Belgium defender and ex‑Tottenham player, says the national team must hold an urgent group discussion after two disappointing results and ahead of their upcoming World Cup match against New Zealand. He warns that internal tensions are rising and could jeopardise the squad’s cohesion. The Rode Duivels travelled to North America with high confidence, winning their preparatory games convincingly. Players reported a notably upbeat atmosphere within the camp during those early sessions. After two starkly disappointing results, Belgium now faces New Zealand in a World Cup group fixture that few had anticipated. The unexpected situation has amplified concerns about the team’s morale.

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"Die reactie van Saelemaekers bij zijn wissel… Kijk, als Lukaku of De Bruyne zoiets doen, kan je dat nog plaatsen. Maar bij Saelemaekers is dat iets anders", Alderweireld told . He contrasted Saelemaekers’ reaction with the tolerance shown when Romelu Lukaku or Kevin De Bruyne react similarly. "Onmogelijk dat Garcia of een medespeler die reactie prettig vond", he continued. "De sfeer was fantastisch, hoorden we, nog nooit zo goed geweest, maar voor mij was dat toch een teken aan de wand." He noted that the previously fantastic atmosphere now seemed like a warning sign.

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Alderweireld stresses that a group conversation is now essential, either involving the entire squad or, as an interim step, the team captains. He added that Garcia was cited as needing to make a tough decision involving Kevin De Bruyne and Tielemans. He suggests that organising a family day the day after the match could relieve pressure, even if it seems odd to some. Alderweireld believes this could help the players reset before the next challenge.