When you think of Belgium greatest World Cup matches, your mind doesn’t immediately turn red—but it should. The Red Devils have delivered moments of magic, grit, and sheer drama under the brightest lights. For fans of all ages, from teens just discovering De Bruyne to life-long supporters recalling Pfaff and Ceulemans, Belgium’s World Cup history is full of unforgettable nights. In this article, AnnuGoal will walk you through the most electrifying, heart-stopping matches in World Cup history for Belgium—battles of spirit, comebacks, and individual brilliance.
Why these matches matter
To call a match among the Belgium greatest World Cup matches is no small thing. We’re not just talking about big scores, but emotional arcs: reversals, extra time, heroic performances, or significance for Belgium’s football legacy. Below, we examine the matches that shaped how the world sees Belgium at the World Cup—moments of glory and heartbreak, where Belgian myths were born.
1. Soviet Union 3–4 Belgium, Mexico 1986 (Round of 16)
If there is one match that belongs at the top of any Belgium greatest World Cup matches list, it’s this one. On 15 June 1986, Belgium stunned footballing orthodoxies in León with a 4–3 extra-time win over a mighty Soviet Union side. After 90 minutes, the score was locked at 2–2: Igor Belanov struck twice (one from the spot), while Enzo Scifo and Jan Ceulemans answered for Belgium.
In extra time, Stéphane Demol and Nico Claesen found the net to put Belgium ahead — only for Belanov to convert a penalty in the 111th minute. But there would be no equalizer. The Red Devils held on, knocking out one of Europe’s powerhouses and advancing to the quarterfinals.
Why it’s iconic
- Belanov’s hat trick was not enough—Belgium’s will and composure won out.
- The match remains one of the greatest comebacks in knockouts and a defining moment in Belgium’s World Cup lore.
- It helped fuel the sense that Belgium could compete with giants—and gave them their best World Cup finish (4th) until 2018. kipedia])
2. Belgium 3–2 Japan, Russia 2018 (Round of 16)
Fast forward to July 2, 2018—Belgium found themselves in another dramatic fight. Japan grabbed a 2–0 lead early in the second half via Haraguchi (48’) and Inui (52’). But the Red Devils never panicked.
Belgium introduced Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli as substitutions. Jan Vertonghen clawed one back with a header in the 69th minute. Fellaini equalized in the 74th. And in stoppage time, Chadli struck the winner (in the 90+4’ minute). 3–2. Belgians rejoiced, Japanese hearts were broken.
What made it unforgettable
- Belgium came back from a 2–0 deficit—a psychological trial they passed with style.
- The substitutions were tactical masterstrokes and symbolism of Martinez’s boldness.
- The winning goal in injury time adds a cinematic feel to the match’s place in Belgium greatest World Cup matches canon.
3. Belgium 1–1 (won on penalties) Spain, Mexico 1986
While not always the flashiest, Belgium’s tactical resilience shone when facing Spain in the second round of 1986. After a 1–1 draw in regulation, Belgium advanced. That victory helped set up the semifinal meeting with Argentina and cemented Belgium’s best-ever World Cup run at the time.
It doesn’t carry the dramatic flair of extra-time thrillers, but it embodies the mental toughness Belgian squads have often relied on under pressure. That perseverance keeps it among the Belgium greatest World Cup matches.
4. Belgium vs England, Italy 1990 (Round of 16)
In Italia ’90, Belgium faced England in the knockout stage. Though the result ended in heartbreak, the match was played with intensity, tactics, and passion. Belgium largely matched their opponents, edging chances, pushing forward, and demonstrating that their identity had evolved.
It’s not a win to celebrate, but for fans it remains memorable—because it showed Belgium no longer feared the big names.
5. Belgium 5–2 Tunisia, Russia 2018 (Group Stage)
Sometimes a match is iconic not just for drama, but sheer dominance. Belgium destroyed Tunisia 5–2 in Sochi in their opening game of the 2018 World Cup. The goals came, Lukaku (2), Meunier, and Batshuayi. Momentum, energy, and confidence—Belgium stamped their mark on that group right.
It might not be as emotionally tortured as a comeback win, but it ranks among Belgium greatest World Cup matches for the statement it made.
6. Honourable mentions and dark nights
Belgium have also been at the mercy of heartbreak. In 1990, after a promising run they fell to England in extra time (mentioned above). In 2022 they failed to progress from the group stage—disappointment for a golden generation.
Each campaign brings new stories, new legends, new heartbreaks. But the ones discussed above are the pillars of Belgium’s World Cup identity: the matches fans resurrect in memory when someone asks, “What’s your favorite Belgium World Cup moment?”
Lessons from these matches
What do these Belgium greatest World Cup matches teach us about the Red Devils?
- Resilience under pressure. Whether down 2–0 or locked in at 2–2, Belgian sides repeatedly showed mental strength to fight back.
- Tactical bravery. Martinez’s substitutions in 2018, or the commitment in extra time in 1986, reveal a team unafraid to take risks.
- Telling moments. Belanov’s hat trick, Chadli’s late winner, Pfaff’s consistency—these performances live in legend.
- A shift in identity. Belgium’s arc in World Cup history moved from underdog to serious contender—these matches are proof.
How fans can relive these classics
- Watch full match replays or highlights. The 1986 USSR–Belgium match and Belgium–Japan 2018 are available in archives and on streaming platforms.
- Explore tactical breakdowns. Analysts have dissected how substitutions, formations, and momentum swings shaped each win.
- Read player memoirs or interviews. Firsthand accounts.
These games not only entertained—they shaped Belgium’s footballing soul.
Conclusion
Belgium greatest World Cup matches are more than just scores and stats—they capture the spirit, ambition, and heart of this national team. From the electric 4–3 extra time triumph over the USSR in 1986 to the breathtaking comeback against Japan in 2018, these matches define what it means to be a Belgian fan at the World Cup.
AnnuGoal encourages you: pick one of these matches, rewatch it, share it, debate it. Dive into the tactical layers. relive the goals. Then tell us: which is your ultimate Belgium World Cup classic?
