Kevin De Bruyne says he is grateful to be preparing for his fourth World Cup with Belgium and does not want to take the moment for granted. The 35-year-old midfielder, speaking two days before Belgium’s opener against Egypt, said that after nearly 16 years with the national team and 119 appearances, he feels honored to still be representing his country. He said he hopes to help Belgium have a strong tournament. De Bruyne’s comments came during a media session in Seattle ahead of Belgium’s final preparations at the training facility of the MLS club Seattle Sounders.
The veteran midfielder’s path into the tournament has not been easy. His first season with Serie A club Napoli, after 10 years at Manchester City, was disrupted by a serious thigh muscle injury in October. He did not return until March 6. Since then, he has played 10 Serie A matches and four friendlies for Belgium. In Belgium’s most recent warm-up game on June 6, he scored in a 5-0 win over Tunisia. De Bruyne said he had done everything possible to regain fitness and feels ready for the competition.
He also acknowledged that this stage of his career gives him a different perspective than in earlier years. Instead of thinking only about the next match, he said he now appreciates tournaments more because opportunities are fewer as he gets older. He noted that he does not have another 10 years left in his career and wants to enjoy the experience while he can.
Belgium enters the tournament with several major names from its so-called Golden Generation, including De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois. The team is expected to contend in Group G, where it will face Egypt, New Zealand and Iran. Belgium is still seen as a threat after finishing third at the 2018 World Cup, but its 2022 campaign ended in the group stage. A deep run would likely depend on De Bruyne performing at a high level.
De Bruyne also highlighted winger Jérémy Doku, saying the 24-year-old has become more efficient and dangerous. He said defending Doku for 90 minutes is nearly impossible and that Belgium will need him in top form. De Bruyne said Doku already makes his life easier on the field.
Belgium opens against Egypt on Monday, giving De Bruyne an early chance to face Mohamed Salah, a former Premier League rival and long-time acquaintance. De Bruyne said he has played against Salah for about 10 years and described him as a nice person, adding that it will be good to see him again.
The article also noted that center back Zeno Debast will remain on Belgium’s World Cup roster despite a leg injury suffered last month while training with Sporting Lisbon. Debast is not expected to be available until later in the tournament, but team officials decided he should stay with the squad after consulting with technical and medical staff.
