Mark van Bommel's First Belgium Squad for Nations League
Mark van Bommel has wasted no time putting his stamp on Belgium.
The new head coach, appointed this summer to succeed Rudi Garcia, has unveiled his first Red Devils squad for a brutal Nations League group that throws them straight in against Italy, France and Turkiye – with six Serie A names at the heart of his plans.
Van Bommel’s Italian return
Belgium open their campaign away to Italy on September 25, a symbolic start for Van Bommel, who once patrolled midfield in a Milan shirt during the 2011-12 season. That trip marks his debut in the dugout for the national team, and it comes in a group where every slip can be fatal.
Three days later, on September 28, Belgium host France. Turkiye follow on October 2, before another clash with France in their own backyard on October 5. The group then closes with two fixtures that could define Van Bommel’s early reign: away to Turkiye on November 12 and at home to Italy on November 15.
It’s a schedule with no breathing space. And his selection reflects that.
Strong Serie A spine
Van Bommel has turned to familiar territory in Italy. Milan defender Koni De Winter earns a call-up, joined by Bologna’s new signing Arthur Theate at the back. In midfield, the headline is unmistakable: Kevin De Bruyne, now at Napoli, returns to national duty as the creative fulcrum.
Parma’s Mandela Keita adds energy in the middle, while Atalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere offers attacking versatility after a resurgent spell in Bergamo. On the flanks, Milan winger Diego Moreira gives Van Bommel another Serie A option in the final third.
Even those who have just departed Italy remain central to the story. Romelu Lukaku, now at Fenerbahce, and Lois Openda, recently moved to Lyon, left Serie A only weeks ago but still carry the imprint of the league’s intensity into this squad.
Experience, youth and big-club steel
The goalkeeping department blends domestic and European experience: Jari De Busser (AZ Alkmaar), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Chelsea) and Maarten Vandervoordt (RB Leipzig) compete for the No. 1 shirt.
In defence, Timothy Castagne (Fulham) and Maxime De Cuyper (Brighton) bring Premier League nous, while Zeno Debast (Sporting), Brandon Mechele, Kyriani Sabbe and Joaquin Seys (all Club Brugge) underline the continued importance of the Belgian domestic scene. Nathan Ngoy (LOSC) and the aforementioned De Winter and Theate round off a back line built for flexibility.
Midfield is anchored by De Bruyne, but he is far from alone. Romeo Lavia (Chelsea) and Youri Tielemans (Manchester United) provide Premier League pedigree, Nicolas Raskin (Rangers) adds bite, Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge) offers guile and goals, and Keita injects youthful drive.
Up front, Van Bommel has gone heavy on dynamism and power. De Ketelaere is joined by Malick Fofana (Sunderland), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Newcastle United), Mika Godts (PSG), Lukaku, Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica), Moreira, Openda and Leandro Trossard (Bestikas). It is a forward line that can press, stretch defences and, with Lukaku, still batter down the front door when needed.
Full Belgium squad for the Nations League
- Goalkeepers: Jari De Busser (AZ Alkmaar), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Chelsea), Maarten Vandervoordt (RB Leipzig)
- Defenders: Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Maxime De Cuyper (Brighton), Zeno Debast (Sporting), Koni De Winter (Milan), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Nathan Ngoy (LOSC), Kyriani Sabbe (Club Brugge), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Arthur Theate (Bologna)
- Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Mandela Keita (Parma), Romeo Lavia (Chelsea), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Youri Tielemans (Manchester United), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge)
- Forwards: Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Malick Fofana (Sunderland), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Newcastle United), Mika Godts (PSG), Romelu Lukaku (Fenerbahce), Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica), Diego Moreira (Milan), Lois Openda (Lyon), Leandro Trossard (Bestikas)
Van Bommel’s first list is clear in its message: no gentle transition, no soft launch. Belgium are stepping into one of the toughest Nations League groups with a squad built to survive the fire. Now the question is whether this mix of Serie A steel, Premier League sharpness and homegrown continuity can carry the Red Devils through Italy and France – or whether this new era will be tested from the very first whistle in September.
