13 dual nationals who could have lined up for the Red Devils

Our Red Devils won't only be represented by the 26 players Rudi Garcia named for the World Cup 2026. Belgian football was already well represented by 29 players from the Jupiler Pro League, but several internationals featuring across the United States, Canada and Mexico could also have worn the Belgian shirt.

GoldenVegas Sport, the best online sportsbook, has rounded up the 13 finals-bound players who chose to represent another nation despite strong ties to our country.

Choosing the Leopards over the Red Devils

DR Congo boast the most former Belgian internationals in their ranks, and few players on this list can claim to have actually worn the Red Devils shirt. Joris Kayembe did so twice in 2020 under Roberto Martínez. That didn't stop him from later switching to the Congolese side, where he is now firmly established.

Matthieu Epolo, Standard's breakout star of the past few seasons, is experiencing his first major international tournament at just 21. The same goes for Ngal'ayel Mukau. The Lille man, once a Belgium Under-18 international, looked set to continue his journey with Belgium. After plenty of hesitation and talks with the Belgian FA, the midfielder ultimately committed to DR Congo.

Noah Sadiki, schooled at Anderlecht and a breakout at Union Saint-Gilloise, long split his international allegiance between Belgium and Congo. In 2023 he made his decision once and for all in favour of the Leopards, going with his roots despite reservations from those around him.

Théo Bongonda, finally, never really got his chance with Belgium. The Charleroi-born winger joined DR Congo in 2022 and is now playing a World Cup in Congolese colours. Congo are hoping to get out of their group after an impressive draw with Portugal.

The Atlas Lions, masters of the dual-national game

Morocco continue to reap the rewards of their outstanding work with dual-nationality players, and arguably provide the most striking case on this list. After representing Belgium across several age groups, Bilal El Khannouss eventually opted for Morocco. A few months later he was already at the 2022 World Cup, playing his part in the Atlas Lions' historic run to the semi-finals.

Antwerp-born Zakaria El Ouahdi took an unusual route, coming up through the amateur leagues before establishing himself as one of the best full-backs in the Belgian top flight. Chemsdine Talbi, long regarded as a great hope of Belgian football, gradually distanced himself from the Belgian FA. A lack of communication during a difficult spell in his career hardened his resolve to play for Morocco.

Ismael Saibari, who came through several Belgian academies before joining PSV Eindhoven, never wore the senior Belgian shirt. Yet his choice of Morocco was never really in doubt, despite his Belgian naturalisation. A blow for the Red Devils, with Saibari already two goals to the good at this World Cup. Will he add a third? The bookmakers' odds can certainly shift when you bet live.

The Australia surprise, born in Belgium

Among the other squads, Algeria feature Rafik Belghali. Born in Leuven and a breakout at Mechelen, the full-back admitted he had considered a Belgium call-up. In the end he is playing the 2026 World Cup with Algeria, having won over Vladimir Petković.

But the real surprise is in Oceania. Barely known to the wider Belgian public, Paul Okon-Engstler was born in Ostend while his father was playing in Belgium. Although partly schooled at Club Brugge, he chose to continue his international career with Australia.

Liège-born Edmilson Junior long hoped to break into the Red Devils. The chance never came, and he eventually opted for Qatar, where he has played for several years. Like Joris Kayembe, Hannes Delcroix also earned a Red Devils cap under Roberto Martínez. Despite a full path through Belgium's youth ranks, the centre-back ultimately chose to represent Haiti, his country of birth. Sadly he won't cross paths with the Red Devils between Seattle, Los Angeles and Vancouver, as his side have already been knocked out.

A Belgian dual-national side that could have boosted the Red Devils

With players like Bilal El Khannouss, Ismael Saibari, Noah Sadiki, Théo Bongonda or Zakaria El Ouahdi, Belgium could have drawn on an even more impressive pool of talent at the 2026 World Cup.

This list reflects a reality that is increasingly common in modern football: the international competition to win over Belgian dual nationals has become a major strategic battleground. Some followed their hearts; others were swayed by a faster route to the top than the Red Devils could offer.

Either way, you can follow their World Cup journey on GoldenVegas, with a 25% BetXtra on every in-play bet you place on a World Cup match.