Belgium are just one of the 24 teams who participated in the Euros 2024 in Germany. Here’s everything you need to know about the team and find out why their captain could have played for Burundi instead!

1. The team played their first game in 1904

Belgium’s first official international match took place against their neighbours France on home soil in Eccles. The date? May 1, 1904. The score? 3-3. Back to you in the studio.

2. Their badge

The badge is the team’s fourth design since 1970. RBFA means Royal Belgian Football Association and features a crown to reflect this, along with the Belgian national flag.

3. The team play their home games in Brussels

The Belgian national team play their home games at King Baudouin Stadium in the capital city of Brussels. The 50,093-capacity stadium was the home of the team Union SG and hosts rugby and athletics too.

4. Their captain is Kevin De Bruyne

In 2008, Kevin began his professional career with Genk in Belgium before moving over to the Bundesliga and was a star player for VfL Wolfsburg. Since his move to Manchester City, he’s cemented his reputation as one of the world’s greatest midfielders and is nicked-named the ‘Assist King’. Since being appointed captain, he’s led his country in tournaments like the World Cup and European Championship.

5. Their top scorer is Romelu Lukaku

If you follow the Premier League, then Romelu Lukaku will be a familiar name. He’s played for Everton, Manchester United and Chelsea. He’s scored 85 goals during his international career so far!

6. Their nickname is The Red Devils

They’re called The Red Devils, but in Flemish, they’re known as De Rode Duivels. French-speaking Belgian fans call them Les Diables rouges, or Die Roten Teufel in German.

7. Jan Vertonghen is their most-capped player

Jan Vertonghen began representing the Belgian national team in 2007 and announced his retirement from international football at the end of their run in the Euros 2024. During his career, he played 157 international games and scored 10 times. He’s also played for Ajax, Spurs, Benfica and Anderlecht.

8. They’re placed 3rd in the FIFA World Rankings

While they’re currently ranked third in the world, they’ve actually occupied the top spot in 2015-16, and 2018-22. They’ve also been as low as 71 in June 2007, but they probably won’t want to talk about that summer.

9. They’ve won four matches by 9 goals!

Belgium has thumped four teams 9-0 over the course of their decades long football journey. They first set their biggest win record in 1994 when they beat Zambia 9-0 at home. Next was San Marino (who seem to lose to everyone who’s qualified for the Euros) in 2001. Next was Gibraltar at home in 2017, then San Marino came back for a second helping of humiliation in 2019.

10. Their biggest defeat was versus England Amateurs

Belgium’s biggest defeat came in April 1909 when they played the amateur England side in London. The final score was 11-2. How do you say ‘sick as a parrot’ in Dutch? Ziek als een papegaai.

11. Their women’s team began playing in 1976

The Belgian women’s team reached the Euros quarter-finals in 2022 (their second appearance in the tournament) and are currently ranked their 18th best team in women’s international football.

12. They’ve won gold at the Olympics

While Belgium were runners-up in the 1980 Euros, they did scoop gold at the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp!

13. Their head coach is Domenico Tedesco

After managing teams like Schalke 04, Spartak Moscow and RP Leipzig, this Italian-born tactician was appointed the national team’s head coach in 2023. After the team’s disappointing Euros in 2024, some fans are politely suggesting that they seek another manager for the role.

14. Kevin De Bruyne could have played for Burundi

Because Kevin De Bruyne’s mother was born in the East African country of Burundi, that would have technically meant he was available for selection by their national team. The country has two capital cities – Gitega and Bujumbura – and has three official languages: Kirundi, French and English.

15. Their fastest ever Euros goal took 73 seconds

Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans hit the back of the net after just 73 seconds in a group match versus Romania in June 2024. They won 2-0!