Belgian Pro League players at the 2026 World Cup: Defenders | OneFootball

Yesterday we looked at the two goalkeepers from the Belgian Pro League heading off to the 2026 World Cup. Today, we turn our attention to the defenders.

Luc De Fougerolles – Canada

Dender’s on loan defender Luc De Fougerolles will hope to put the disappointment of relegation from the Pro League behind him during the World Cup. The 20-year-old was loaned to Dender by Fulham for the season and played 30 games in what was a disappointing campaign for the club. At international level, De Fougerolles may well see action, having already earned 12 caps for Canada. The hosts have a decent side with plenty of current and former Belgian Pro League talent and expectations of a decent tournament are high.

Jean-Kevin Duverne – Haiti

Like De Fougerolles, Duverne suffered relegation from the Pro League just 12 months ago. However, he impressed with Kortrijk and was signed on loan by Gent in the summer. The versatile 28-year-old spent nearly all of his career in France before moving to Belgium twice in the past few months. He has played 24 games for the Buffaloes, scoring once. Duverne has played 15 games for Haiti and will certainly be a key player for them at the World Cup. He played the full 90 minutes in their 4-0 friendly victory over New Zealand.

Wilguens Paugain – Haiti

Fellow Haitian Wilguens Paugain of Zulte Waregem joins Duverne in the squad for the island nations long awaited return to a World Cup. The full-back had a decent first season at Pro League level for the promoted side, playing 25 games in all. Paugain will likely have to settle for appearances off the bench. The side have a tough group with Brazil, Morocco and Scotland in their way of progression to the knockout rounds.

Joel Ordonez – Ecuador

Another nation stacked full of Belgian Pro League talent, all eyes will be on highly rated Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez for Ecuador. The side are in a fascinating group alongside Curacao, Germany and Cote d’Ivoire, with many expecting them to have a decent tournament. The 22-year-old has competition for a spot in the starting line up, with Willian Pacho, formerly of Antwerp, the clear star at the back. A good tournament for Ordonez will allow Club Brugge to add a few more million to the defender’s price tag this summer.

Yaimar Medina – Ecuador

The 21-year-old Medina played 40 games for Genk this season, although only 18 of these were starts in the league. Medina has been used as a defender but can also play as a winger. This was his first full season with the Genk first team, having joined from Inependiente del Valle in 2024. Medina is likely to be a bench option for Ecuador with other, more proven options ahead of him in the pecking order.

Zakaria El Ouahdi – Morocco

A stand out performer for Genk this season, El Ouahdi certainly suffers from the plethora of talent the Atlas Lions have at wing-back. The 24-year-old could certainly provide a spark off the bench for the Moroccans, with his 12 goals and five assists in 45 games for Genk this season proof of how impactful he can be going forward.

Redouane Halhal – Morocco

KV Mechelen’s Redouane Halhal was a surprise call up for Morocco after his first full season for the Belgian side. He started the sides recent friendly win against Madagascar, which could suggest that he is in line for some match time when the World Cup comes around. However, Nayef Ageurd and Issa Diop are more likely to be the starters if new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi opts for a back two.

Brandon Mechelen – Belgium

Fresh off of another Belgian Pro League title, Brandon Mechele now gets to go to his first World Cup at the age of 33. The experienced defender may well be called upon if the more favoured options fail to perform. However, it is unlikely we will see much of Mechele unless Belgium need to close out a game and opt for extra defenders.

Joquain Seys – Belgium

At the other end of his club team mate in terms of career, Seys will get to enjoy his first World Cup at the age of just 21. The Club Brugge defender is a huge talent and had another excellent season, capped off with a trip to the World Cup. Again, Seys will be unlikely to start and probably won’t be called upon often by Rudi Garcia given the other options in the squad.

Joris Kayembe – DR Congo

Joris Keymebe joins Epolo in the DR Congo squad returning to a World Cup for the first time since 1974. The left-back played 39 games for Genk this season, providing one assist. Since switching his allegiance at international level from Belgium to DR Congo, Kayembe has played 23 games for the Leopards, making appearances at AFCON and now getting to experience a World Cup. Arthur Masuaku is usually preferred by head coach Sebastien Desabre, but an injury to the former West Ham man could open up the opportunity for Kayembe.

Shogo Taniguchi – Japan

Shogo Taniguchi, despite being 34, makes a Japanese squad tipped to have a strong tournament. The experienced defender started 32 matches for Sint Truiden in a season that saw the Canaries qualify for Europe and defy many pre season predictions. He has 38 caps for Japan and will only likely add to these if there are injuries or the side need to see games out and want his experience on the pitch. Off the pitch, he will certainly be valuable in the dressing room for the younger players in the squad, as he has been in Belgium.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson