Rudi Garcia’s pen‑and‑paper routine throws Belgium’s United States line‑up into uncertainty

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia’s reliance on pen and paper has left the Red Devils’ starting eleven for the round‑of‑16 clash with the United States unclear, with only a handful of players confirmed. The team is already in the World Cup’s last‑16 stage, but the exact lineup remains a mystery.

Garcia insists on using a four‑colour ball‑point pen and handwritten notes rather than digital devices. He handed Brandon Mechele extra instructions on a folded A4 sheet before the match against Egypt, demonstrating his preference for paper over an iPad.

Players have dubbed his approach “old‑school” and “old‑fashioned”, and a camera has followed the coach throughout the tournament to capture his on‑field scribbles. He also jotted down the team sheet against Senegal on a sheet of paper, reportedly with input from assistant coach Axel Witsel.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, winger Leandro Trossard and midfielder Youri Tielemans are the only players mentioned as likely starters. Defender Brandon Mechele, who impressed in the group stage, may no longer be a guaranteed starter according to the article.

Midfielder Arthur Theate, forward Jeremy Doku, and veteran Kevin De Bruyne are also cited as uncertain selections, while Romelu Lukaku is described as a luxury substitute. Additional names in flux include Diego Moreira, Dodi Lukebakio, Timothy Castagne, Nicolas Raskin and Hans Vanaken.

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino, facing a similar dilemma, told his squad “Guys, you are warriors!” before their upcoming game, underscoring the shared uncertainty over player choices.

The final eleven will be revealed on Monday night, and Garcia’s pen‑and‑paper method may ultimately decide which players take the field against the United States.