The 2026 World Cup kicks off on Thursday and there are plenty of players from the Belgian Pro League set to represent their national teams. We have already looked at the goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders, so now it is time to concentrate on the forwards.
Promise David – Canada
Alongside Jonathan David, Promise David of Union St Gilloise will give the Canadians a physical attacking duo that will prove to be a handful for any opposition. Since joining Union from the Estonian top flight, David has exploded onto the scene. He led the Belgian side to their first title in over a century last season and scored during the sides Champions League campaign this season. However, going into the World Cup, David has suffered an injury hit season. Union were unable to call upon the imposing forward during the play-offs and it was one of the reasons they ended up losing the title to Club Brugge. Despite the injuries, the 24-year-old still ended up with 15 goals this season.
Cesar Huerta – Mexico
Cesar Heurta was an exciting signing for Anderlecht two seasons ago. The 25-year-old has plenty of potential, but we are yet to see this fully realised in Belgian football. This season the former Pumas man only managed 17 appearances due to injuries, with two goals. Last season he played 21 games with three goals and three assists. A positive world cup for Heurta could certainly help him return to Anderlecht ready to show what he can really do, or even earn him a move elsewhere.
Jearl Margaritha – Curacao
Technically not a Pro League player, Jearl Margaritha helped Beveren earn promotion back to the top flight so has snuck his way onto the list. He certainly deserves to be mentioned going into the World Cup though. The 26-year-old winger joined the Belgian side from Phoenix Rising and returns to the USA with seven goals and 12 assists in 33 games, as well as a league winners medal. There is plenty of excitement around the winger to see what he can do in the Pro League, so the World Cup will be a great chance to get a glimpse of Margaritha against stronger opposition.
Oumar Diakite – Cote d’Ivoire
On loan at Cercle Brugge from Reims, it was surprising to see Oumar Diakite included in the Cote d’Ivoire squad for the World Cup. The imposing 22-year-old forward looks to have potential, but he struggled to have a real impact at Cercle Brugge in terms of goals. Cercle Brugge have opted against picking up the purchase option on the forward after seven goals in 26 games. The World Cup could give Diakite a chance to show potential suitors what he can do, with his contract in Reims set to run out in 2028.
Parfait Guiagon – Cote d’Ivoire
Unlike Diakite, Parfait Guiagon is not a surprising inclusion in the Ivorian squad. Guiagon has, once again, been one of the best players for Charleroi this season. The winger is likely to leave this summer with the World Cup a great chance to show himself to a new audience. The 25-year-old scored 12 goals, the first time he has reached double figures in a season, in 40 games for the Zebras. He also provided five assists. He will likely be an impact sub for a strong Ivorian side, but he can certainly provide a goal off the bench if required.
Gustaf Nilsson – Sweden
Gustaf Nilsson was a shock inclusion in the Swedish squad for watchers of Belgian football. The 29-year-old has barely featured for Club Brugge this season with just 11 appearances and no starts in the Pro League. The club will certainly move him on this summer, so will be praying he has some impact at the World Cup to help to attract suitors. The former Union striker scored 11 goals in 42 games last season for Club Brugge but failed to register a goal or an assist this season.
Keisuke Goto – Japan
Unlike Nilsson, Keisuke Goto had a huge impact on the Belgian Pro League this season. On loan at Sint Truiden from Anderlecht, the young Japanese forward scored an impressive 12 goals in 40 games to help the Canaries qualify for European football and finish ahead of his parent club. The 21-year-old will certainly leave Anderlecht this summer after bridges were burnt during a game between the two sides in which he celebrated a winning goal quite vociferously. Japan have a number of quality striking options, but Goto with his size can provide something different off the bench at this World Cup.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh – Iran
Former Brighton man Alireza Jahanbakshs joined Dender middway through the season to try and help them avoid relegation. The 32-year-old was unable to do so, with one goal and one assist in 23 games. Yet, he has been a mainstay of the Iranian national team and it was always unlikely that he wouldn’t be included. Dender gave him the chance to get some football into his legs prior to the World Cup in which Iran will be a focal point for many due to the off field situation.
Dennis Eckert – Iran
Dennis Eckert qualified for Iran through his grandfather, who left Iran for German University studies and married a German. The former Union striker scored seven goals in 37 games for Standard Liege this season and will make his competitive debut for the Iranian national side at this years World Cup. With the likes of Mehdi Taremi in the side, the Belgian based striker will almost certainly have to bide his time and look to make an impact from the bench.
