Belgium’s emergency goalkeeper departs as World Cup looms

Belgium’s national team has said goodbye to 21‑year‑old goalkeeper Max Anchor as the World Cup progresses, confirming he will not travel to Los Angeles with the squad. Anchor, who trains with Seattle Sounders, was called up as an emergency fourth keeper after club constraints blocked Maarten Vandevoordt’s inclusion.

Head coach Rudi Garcia wants to work with four goalkeepers during the tournament preparation. The plan is to keep a deep pool of options in case of injuries or suspensions.

The Royal Belgian Football Association initially intended to call up the talented Maarten Vandevoordt as the fourth goalkeeper. However, his club RB Leipzig refused to release him for the World Cup squad.

Max Anchor was therefore recruited as an emergency solution. He spent more than three weeks training with the team and quickly became popular among his teammates.

Traveling to Los Angeles is not possible for Anchor, so the Rode Duivels organised a farewell with an honour guard. The squad thanked him for the hours he spent on the training field.

Anchor will rejoin Seattle Sounders after the tournament, where his contract runs until December. The goalkeeper returns to his club duties in the MLS.

Belgium’s next match is against the United States on Tuesday morning at the World Cup. A victory would send the Rode Duivels to Los Angeles for the knockout stage.