Family tragedy forces Belgian commentator to quit World Cup

Sport journalist and RTBF commentator Frédéric Waseige was covering the World Cup in the United States when his family was struck by tragedy, as his brother William Waseige, 54, suffered a fatal heart attack at his home in Liège on Thursday.

William Waseige died on Thursday in his Liège residence after a sudden heart attack. He was 54 years old at the time of his death.

Frédéric Waseige immediately halted his commentary duties and began the journey back to Belgium. His brother Thierry Waseige, who resides in New York, also returned straight away to support the family.

Both brothers touched down at Brussels Airport on Saturday afternoon and travelled to Liège. There they faced the painful task of informing their mother Aline Waseige, who lives in a nursing home, of the loss.

The family subsequently withdrew from the public eye to process their grief. As a result, Frédéric will miss the round‑of‑16 match between the Red Devils and the United States, scheduled for Monday night into Tuesday, and RTBF has not yet named his replacement.

William was the son of the late Robert Waseige, former Belgium national team coach who also played for RFC Liège and Standard. Ahead of the Belgian squad’s press conference, Axel Witsel delivered a message of support on behalf of the players. He added that the team also wishes the family its sincere condolences.