U21: the Diablotins must assert their status against Belarus

Under the lights of the Westerlo stadium, the Belgian U21 Diablotins, fresh from the 2025 disappointment, are preparing to face Belarus this Thursday at 8 p.m., determined to resume their march towards Euro 2027 within the European Football framework.

Schedule and stakes in Westerlo

This international window, announced by Sports Football, includes three matches. The Diablotins host Belarus this Thursday at 8 p.m., then Wales the following Tuesday, still in Westerlo, before traveling to Denmark on October 6.

Coach Gil Swerts, supported by Mark van Bommel and now without Rudi Garcia, explained: “We have made decisions for the A team, with, for example, the promotion of Sabbe and Penders. It is the logical continuation and the ambition for the guys who are here.” Vincent Blouard added that he no longer wants to miss the Euro.

After the lost playoff for Euro 2025, the Belgian U21 must win this home match. In Belarus, the first encounter ended 1‑1, leaving a bitter taste.

Tactical choices and squad

The group has changed a lot, competition is especially intensifying in midfield with Smets, De Cat, Vermeeren, Bassette and Vermant in the running. Jesse Bisiwu, who chose to join Barcelona, said: “Barcelona is the best school to exploit my full potential.”

The coach reminded: “We have a very beautiful team… Everyone is well aware of the importance of these matches.” The Red Devils are therefore favorites for the first two fixtures.

Stassin, injured, is omitted from the list and no replacement is planned. The probable lineup includes Brughmans; De Roeve, Smets, Noubi, Sagrado; Van de Perre, De Cat, Noah Fernandez; Mbangula, Bisiwu; Bassette, with Martin Zhivkov Velikov (Bul) as referee.

In Group I, Belgium leads with ten points from five matches, followed by Austria (ten points from six) and Denmark (ten points from five). Wales has six points from six matches, Belarus four points from six, the top nine and the best runner‑up qualifying directly, the other runners‑up facing the playoffs next month.

Thus, the Belgian U21 must live up to their Red Devils status and turn every match in Westerlo into a decisive victory to avoid a repeat of the 2025 drama. Their performance will determine the momentum of the campaign towards Euro 2027.