Arthur Theate

Arthur Theate is in Belgium's final 26 for the 2026 World Cup, a left-footed centre-back named by Rudi Garcia alongside Thomas Meunier, Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Maxim De Cuyper, Brandon Mechele, Koni De Winter, Joaquin Seys and Nathan Ngoy. The Eintracht Frankfurt defender is 26 at kick-off and brings 32 senior Belgium caps and one international goal into the squad. He can operate in central defence or at left-back, and this is his second World Cup after Qatar 2022.

Belgium face Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in Group G, opening against Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle on 15 June. Rudi Garcia's side won UEFA Group J to qualify on 18 November 2025, and Theate is confirmed in the defender group under captain Youri Tielemans.

Theate is a left-footed centre-back whose game leans on aerial duels, recovery pace and line-keeping, with the step-up tackling expected of a senior international defender. His left foot makes him a natural fit on the left of a central pairing, and he can slide out to left-back when Belgium need it.

At defensive set pieces he is a body in the box, and his aerial profile adds a threat at the other end when Belgium attack corners and free-kicks. In Rudi Garcia's 4-3-3, Theate's 32 caps make him a constant inside that defensive group.

At £24m, Belgium sit in Tier 2 on the Goal Rush card, inside the game's £200m card budget. Their Group G opponents — Egypt, Iran and New Zealand — shape the early fixture picture for a second-band team pick.

Theate's contribution is left-sided defensive cover: a left-footed centre-back who can shift to left-back, strong in aerial duels, with 32 caps of senior experience. Whether Rudi Garcia names him in the back four is the matchday signal to watch.