Belgium has appeared in the FIFA World Cup finals tournament 14 times, with their first appearance in the inaugural 1930 World Cup, where they finished 11th and played the first-ever World Cup match against the United States. The first World Cup final was officiated by Belgian referee John Langenus.
Belgium's traditional rival is the Netherlands. The two countries have faced each other twice in the World Cup, with Belgium securing one win (USA 1994) and one draw (France 1998). The team that has faced Belgium the most in the finals is the USSR/Russia, having played five times, with Belgium winning three matches and the Soviet Union winning two.
Belgium's best World Cup finish came in 2018 in Russia, where they placed third. Prior to that, their best result was a fourth-place finish in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
Belgium played their first World Cup match in 1930 against the United States.
Images of Belgium's first World Cup match in 1930, against the United States
During their golden era, Belgium produced two goalkeepers who were named the best in their position in World Cup history: Jean-Marie Pfaff (left) in 1986 and Michel Preud'homme (right) in 1994.
Belgium's first five World Cup appearances, between 1930 and 1970, were not successful, as they failed to progress past the first round. After two scoreless defeats in 1930, Belgium scored their first World Cup goals in 1934 against Germany, thanks to Bernard Voorhoof. However, they were eliminated with a single loss in both 1934 and 1938. In 1954, they drew 4–4 with England, and in 1970, they secured their first World Cup win, defeating El Salvador 3–0.
Belgium reached six consecutive World Cups from 1982 to 200
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Confederation:
Appearances: 14
Wins:
Third place (2018)
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