Timothy Castagne

Timothy Castagne is a confirmed defender in Belgium's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, named in Rudi Garcia's final 26 alongside Thomas Meunier, Arthur Theate, Zeno Debast, Maxim De Cuyper, Brandon Mechele, Koni De Winter, Joaquin Seys and Nathan Ngoy. The Fulham right-back is 30 at kick-off and brings 62 senior Belgium caps and two international goals into the squad. He is an attack-minded full-back who is comfortable at right-back or wing-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 Castagne is confirmed in the defender group under captain Youri Tielemans.

Castagne is a right-back whose game is built on attacking runs down Belgium's right flank, with energy, crossing from wide areas and the versatility to drop into a wing-back role. He times his forward runs to support the front three and tracks back with the recovery speed expected of a senior international full-back when his side has to defend in numbers. That balance lets him push high without leaving the shape behind him exposed.

Belgium build width through their full-backs in Rudi Garcia's 4-3-3, and Castagne's 62 caps make him a constant inside that defender group.

Belgium are a Tier 2 call on the Goal Rush card at £24m within the game's £200m card budget. The Group G draw — Egypt, Iran and New Zealand — sets the early fixture window for managers weighing a second-band team pick.

Castagne adds the full-back part of that Belgium profile: right-back or wing-back cover, outside width, and 62 caps of senior international experience. The matchday check is whether Rudi Garcia uses him in the wide defensive role.