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Belgium’s national team, the Rode Duivels, completed their first full training session ahead of the 2026 World Cup on June 11, with winger Jeremy Doku emerging as a central figure, according to De Morgen. The session, held in Seattle, highlighted tactical adjustments as the squad prepares for the tournament’s time zone challenges. Doku, who missed part of the session due to breathing issues, remains a key asset despite minor setbacks. His role in the team’s high-pressing system and ability to create chances from the flanks have drawn attention from analysts.
Why the Rode Duivels’ Training Day Matters for the 2026 World Cup
The Rode Duivels’ first full training day under coach Roberto Martínez underscored the team’s focus on adapting to the 2026 World Cup’s logistical hurdles, including cross-timezone travel. According to a report by De Standaard, the squad’s security measures—ranging from SWAT units to homicide detectives—reflect heightened concerns amid the event’s global scale. Martínez emphasized integrating Doku into the team’s attacking flow, noting his “target share” of 23% in the 2025-26 season, one of the highest in the squad. This aligns with the team’s shift toward a more dynamic, high-pressing system, as detailed in a tactical analysis by The Athletic.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Doku’s Availability: Fantasy managers should monitor his recovery from breathing issues, as his absence could force a shift to Dries Mertens or Kevin De Bruyne in the wide attacking roles.
- Depth Chart Adjustments: If Doku is sidelined, Adnan Januzaj may see increased minutes, though his 2025-26 xG (0.45) lags behind Doku’s 0.78, per Opta data.
- Betting Odds: Belgium’s World Cup title odds have tightened to 6/1, with Doku’s fitness a key factor in bookmakers’ calculations.
How the High Press Broke the Defense
Martínez’s tactical blueprint for the 2026 World Cup hinges on a high-pressing system that leverages Doku’s pace and width. During the June 11 training, the team practiced “low-block” transitions, with Doku frequently cutting inside to create overloads in the final third. This approach mirrors Belgium’s 2022 World Cup strategy but with a greater emphasis on quick counterattacks, as noted by football analyst Jamie Carragher in a recent Sky Sports segment. “Doku’s ability to transition from defense to attack in seconds is a game-changer,” Carragher said. “It forces opponents to commit numbers forward, opening space for De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.”
| Player | 2025-26 xG | Target Share | Minutes per Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Doku | 0.78 | 23% | 78 |
| Kevin De Bruyne | 0.55 | 18% | 82 |
| Adnan Januzaj | 0.45 | 12% | 59 |
Front-Office Implications and Salary Cap Dynamics
The Rode Duivels’ training camp in Seattle also coincided with discussions about the team’s 2026 World Cup budget, which includes a €120 million allocation for squad upgrades. According to a report by Het Laatste Nieuws, the federation is considering a loan for a defensive midfielder to complement the current squad, though no deals are imminent. The focus on Doku’s development reflects a broader strategy to maximize the value of the team’s core players, who are signed through 2024-25. “Belgium’s financial model prioritizes retaining talent over blockbuster signings,” said sports economist Dr. Lena Müller, citing a 2023 UEFA study. “This approach minimizes risk but limits flexibility in high-stakes tournaments.”
The Time Zone Challenge: From Seattle to Miami
The Rode Duivels’ preparation in Seattle highlights the logistical complexities of the 2026 World Cup, which spans three time zones. A report by HLN noted that the team’s schedule includes matches in Seattle (GMT-7), Miami (GMT-4), and New York (GMT-4), requiring adjustments to circadian rhythms. “Traveling across time zones affects player performance, especially in the final third,” said Dr. Mark Allen, a sports physiologist quoted in The Athletic. “Belgium’s medical staff are using GPS tracking and sleep monitoring to mitigate these effects.”
Takeaway: Doku’s Role in Belgium’s World Cup Aspirations
As the Rode Duivels enter the final stages of World Cup preparation, Doku’s integration into the high-pressing system will be critical. His fitness and form will determine whether Belgium can replicate their 2022 quarterfinal run or push for a deeper campaign. With the squad’s financial and tactical frameworks in place, the focus now shifts to ensuring key players like Doku remain injury-free and adaptable to the
