Belgian midfielder at Leicester City
The World Cup faces scrutiny as mandatory three‑minute hydration breaks are debated amid concerns about heat safety, momentum loss, and commercial interests across host cities.
FIFA has enforced new on-field rules at the 2026 World Cup that have provoked disputes: Miguel Almirón has received the tournament's first red card for covering his mouth, broadcasters and fans have criticised mandatory three-minute hydration breaks, and a VAR official was investigated over a hand gesture but cleared. Players, coaches and commentators are publicly divided.
Belgium's Jeremy Doku has rejoined the squad after attending his child’s birth in London; he had left for personal reasons amid illness. He is set to rejoin ahead of Belgium's final group match, with teammates backing his return as the team pushes for progression.
Belgium has overturned a 2-0 deficit against Senegal to win 3-2 after extra time, with Lukaku and Tielemans scoring late goals following a VAR-awarded penalty for a spot kick conceded by Lamine Camara. The comeback spans a dramatic finish to the group-stage clash, sending Belgium into the last 16.