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With a squad dotted with world-class talent, much has been made about what the current Belgian national side might be able to achieve. As the World Cup takes place in Qatar later this year, and some of the country's top players approaching the end of their careers, it could be now or never for Belgium to be crowned champions of the world.

Lessons Learned From Russia

Belgium enjoyed a strong tournament back in 2018 as they managed to finish in third place in the competition on Russian soil. The Red Devils lost out to France in the semi-finals, before Les Bleus went on to beat Croatia 4-2 in the final. It was a thrilling final but not good enough to make Tom McGarry's top five greatest World Cup finals of all time, even with six goals scored on that night in Moscow. But Belgium did manage to bounce back from the heartbreak of the semi-final defeat to beat England in the third-place play-off clash in St Petersburg.

It was manager Roberto Martinez who led the Red Devils to third place in Russia and the Spaniard is set to be the man at the helm once again in Qatar. The Belgian FA were forced to fend off interest from Martinez's former club Everton for the tactician's services in January and it looks like the man himself is ready for one last crack at a world title with Belgium.

Key figures running out of time

While there is excitement about what the next generation of players will bring, a number of key stars are approaching the end of their careers with the national side. Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Dries Martens are all in their 30s and whether they will make the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States remains to be seen. With experienced players like striker Romelu Lukaku and keeper Thibaut Courtois also in their late 20s, Qatar looks to be the best opportunity Belgium are going to get for a World Cup title.

It also remains to be seen what Martinez will do after the World Cup, whether Belgium manage to win the tournament or not. The Spaniard's stock has risen since taking over with the Red Devils and there might well be big opportunities for the 48-year-old in the club game at the end of the year.

De Bruyne could prove the difference

If Belgium are to lift the trophy on December 18 at the Lusail Stadium, it's highly likely Manchester City star De Bruyne will have played a major role in the achievement. The 30-year-old has been a key figure in helping City pull away at the top of the Premier League table this season, and seems to be a player who is just getting better with age.

It looks set to be another thrilling World Cup at the end of the year and Belgium will be doing all they can to make sure their golden generation has something to show for their talents.