
Kevin De Bruyne Eyes World Cup Success with Belgium's New Star Doku
June 15, 2026 · Lucía Jiménez
Kevin De Bruyne reflects on his World Cup journey, emphasizing Jérémy Doku's role in Belgium's hopes for success.
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Kevin De Bruyne, the celebrated Belgian midfielder, is gearing up for his fourth World Cup appearance, aiming to make a significant impact in the tournament. As Belgium prepares for its opening match against Egypt, De Bruyne, now 35, acknowledges the changes and challenges that come with his extensive career. He remains grateful for his 119 appearances with the national team and looks forward to contributing positively. "It's an honor to still be here," De Bruyne remarked during a recent press conference. After a challenging season with Napoli, following his successful stint at Manchester City, De Bruyne is ready to lead Belgium. Despite an injury setback earlier in the season, he has returned to fitness and is eager to compete. "I feel fit and prepared," he stated confidently. De Bruyne is aware of the team dynamic, emphasizing the importance of his younger teammate, Jérémy Doku. "Defending Jérémy for 90 minutes is impossible," De Bruyne said. "To play a top tournament, we need a good Doku." With seasoned players like Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois still in the lineup, Belgium is poised to challenge in Group G, facing teams like Egypt, New Zealand, and Iran. Following a disappointing 2022 World Cup, Belgium aims to replicate its 2018 success. De Bruyne's experience and leadership, alongside emerging talents like Doku, could be pivotal for Belgium's aspirations. As De Bruyne prepares to face off against familiar adversary Mohamed Salah, he reflects on their past encounters with respect and anticipation. "It will be nice to compete again," he noted.
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