Tielemans, De Bruyne & Lukaku: Belgium Squad for US Training Camp
Youri Tielemans, despite recent injury concerns, is determined to join the Belgian national team for their upcoming training camp in the United States, mirroring the intentions of key teammates Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. The Aston Villa midfielder’s commitment comes after being named the permanent captain of the Red Devils by head coach Rudi Garcia, a decision that surprised some given the presence of established leaders within the squad.
The captaincy change, revealed in early September 2025, saw Tielemans replace De Bruyne as the armband holder. Garcia informed De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois of his decision directly, emphasizing a desire for long-term consistency. De Bruyne, speaking after a 6-0 victory over Liechtenstein, acknowledged the decision, stating, He spoke with me and Romelu Lukaku earlier this week and told us his decision. That’s okay. There wasn’t a vote, you understand. The coach has made a decision that could last for several years. It’s a long-term choice, for consistency.
The Manchester City playmaker appeared accepting of the outcome, despite not being consulted in the selection process.
Garcia’s rationale behind choosing Tielemans centers on his ability to bridge the gap between Belgium’s experienced “golden generation” and emerging younger players. The coach highlighted Tielemans’ strong rapport within the squad and his unifying presence. As Garcia explained, He has a quality relationship with everyone in the group. He enjoys unanimity within the group. Even though other guys remain important leaders, like Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku… But Youri gets the armband.
This suggests a strategic move to foster cohesion and leadership across the team, rather than solely relying on the established hierarchy.
The decision to overlook De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Courtois, all of whom have previously captained the national team, raised eyebrows. However, Garcia’s emphasis on a consistent captaincy and Tielemans’ perceived ability to connect different segments of the team appear to be the driving factors. The appointment signals a potential shift in leadership dynamics within the Belgian squad, as they navigate a period of transition.
Tielemans’ recent form has undoubtedly contributed to his selection. He demonstrated his capabilities with a brace in a World Cup qualifying match against Liechtenstein on , further solidifying his importance to the team. His performance on the field, coupled with his leadership qualities, made him a compelling choice for Garcia.
The upcoming training camp in the United States represents an important opportunity for the team to gel under its new captain. The presence of De Bruyne and Lukaku alongside Tielemans suggests a continued commitment from the established stars to support the new leadership structure. Despite the change in captaincy, the core of the Belgian squad remains intact, and their collective experience will be crucial as they prepare for future competitions.
Belgium’s recent form has been a subject of scrutiny. While the 6-0 win against Liechtenstein was a positive result, the team will be looking to build on that momentum and establish greater consistency. The Euro 2024 campaign saw a mixed start, with a win against Romania following a disappointing loss to Slovakia. The team will need to address those inconsistencies if they are to make a deep run in future tournaments.
The situation with Romelu Lukaku and VAR continues to be a source of frustration for the Belgian team. Lukaku has had multiple goals disallowed due to marginal offside calls, most recently during the Euro 2024 match against Romania. This ongoing issue raises questions about the accuracy and application of VAR, and its impact on key moments in matches. The team will hope to avoid similar setbacks in upcoming games.
The dynamic between De Bruyne and Tielemans will be particularly engaging to watch. While De Bruyne has relinquished the captaincy, he remains a pivotal figure in the team. His experience and playmaking ability will be essential to Belgium’s success. The relationship between the two midfielders, and their ability to complement each other on the field, will be a key factor in determining Belgium’s fortunes.
The decision to appoint Tielemans as captain is a clear indication that Garcia is looking to the future. While acknowledging the importance of the “golden generation,” he is also investing in the next generation of Belgian footballers. Tielemans, at 28 years old, represents a bridge between the two, and his leadership will be vital as the team transitions into a new era.
The fact that Tielemans is prioritizing participation in the US training camp, despite recent injury concerns, underscores his commitment to the team and his new role as captain. His willingness to join De Bruyne and Lukaku demonstrates a unified front and a shared desire to prepare for upcoming challenges. The training camp will provide a valuable opportunity for the team to build camaraderie and refine their tactics under Garcia’s guidance.