# Belgium national football team records and statistics

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This article lists various team and individual football records in relation to the Belgium national team (The Red Devils). The page currently shows the records as of 17 November 2024.

## Team records
### Wins
#### Largest win

* 10–1 vs San Marino on 28 February 2001
* 9–0 vs Zambia on 4 June 1994
* 9–0 vs Gibraltar on 31 August 2017
* 9–0 vs San Marino on 10 October 2019

#### Largest away win

* 6–0 vs Luxembourg on 14 October 1986
* 6–0 vs Gibraltar on 10 October 2016

#### Largest win at the World Cup Finals

* 3–0 vs El Salvador on 3 June 1970, 1970 World Cup
* 3–0 vs Panama on 18 June 2018, 2018 World Cup
* 5–2 vs Tunisia on 23 June 2018, 2018 World Cup

#### Largest win at the European Championship finals

    4–0 vs Hungary on 26 June 2016, Euro 2016

#### Largest win at the Olympic Games finals

    3–0 vs Netherlands on 31 August 1920, 1920 Summer Olympics

#### Largest goal deficit overcome in a single game (to either a win or a draw)

    3 goals, vs Denmark on 6 May 1932 (4–3 victory after being 0–3 down)

### Draws

   It didn't make sense at all, this match.
—Dutch international Frank De Boer, after the high Netherlands-Belgium scoring draw (5–5) in 1999

#### Highest scoring draw

    5–5 vs Netherlands on 4 September 1999

#### Highest scoring draw at the World Cup Finals

    4–4 (a.e.t.) vs England on 17 June 1954, 1954 World Cup

#### Highest scoring draw at the European Championship finals

    1–1 vs England on 12 June 1980, Euro 1980

#### Highest scoring draw at the Olympic Games finals

    None

### Defeats

   The English probably found a dozen enough!
—Mockery Dutch newspaper comment after Belgium's unofficial 12–0 loss to Corinthian, their biggest ever defeat

#### Largest defeat

    2–11 vs England Amateurs on 17 April 1909
    Including unofficial games: 0–12 vs Corinthian on 6 January 1906

#### Largest defeat at home

    1–9 vs England on 11 May 1927

#### Largest defeat at the World Cup Finals

* 0–3 vs United States on 13 July 1930, 1930 World Cup
* 2–5 vs Germany on 27 May 1934, 1934 World Cup
* 1–4 vs Italy on 20 June 1954, 1954 World Cup
* 1–4 vs Soviet Union on 6 June 1970, 1970 World Cup
* 0–3 vs Poland on 28 June 1982, 1982 World Cup

#### Largest defeat at the European Championship finals

    0–5 vs France on 16 June 1984, Euro 1984
   Belgium-Sweden 1–8, Sweden cracks Belgium.
—Dutch newspaper heading after Belgium suffered its largest defeat at a major tournament, at the 1924 Summer Olympics

#### Largest defeat at the Olympic Games finals

    1–8 vs Sweden on 29 May 1924, 1924 Summer Olympics

#### Largest lead given away

    2 goals, on several occasions

### Goals
#### Scored
##### Most goals scored in a single game

    10 vs San Marino on 28 February 2001

##### Most goals scored in an away game

    7 vs Netherlands on 25 November 1951

##### Most goals scored during the first half

    7 vs Iceland on 5 June 1957

##### Most goals scored during the second half

    7 vs San Marino on 28 February 2001

##### Most goals scored during extra time

* 2 vs Soviet Union on 15 June 1986
* 2 vs United States on 1 July 2014

##### Most goals scored in a single game during the World Cup finals

    5 vs Tunisia on 23 June 2018, 2018 World Cup Cup

##### Most goals scored in a single game during the European Championship finals

    4 vs Hungary on 26 June 2016, Euro 2016

##### Most goals scored in a single game during the Olympic Games finals

    5 vs Luxembourg on 27 May 1928, 1928 Summer Olympics

##### Most different players scoring during a single game

    7 (+ 1 own goal) (Romelu Lukaku (2), Nacer Chadli, Toby Alderweireld, Youri Tielemans, Christian Benteke, Yari Verschaeren and Timothy Castagne) (+ own goal by Cristian Brolli), vs San Marino on 10 October 2019

#### Conceded
##### Most goals conceded in a single game

    11 vs England Amateurs on 17 April 1909
    Including unofficial games: 12 vs Corinthian on 6 January 1906

##### Most goals conceded during a home game

    9 vs England on 11 May 1927

##### Most goals conceded during the first half

    8 vs England Amateurs on 17 April 1909

##### Most goals conceded during the second half

* 6 vs England Amateurs on 24 February 1914
* 6 vs Germany on 22 October 1933
* 6 vs Netherlands on 27 February 1938
* 6 vs Austria on 14 October 1951
* 6 vs Netherlands on 13 April 1958

##### Most goals conceded during extra time

    3 vs Netherlands on 30 April 1905

##### Most goals conceded in a single game during the World Cup Finals

    5 vs Germany on 27 May 1934, 1934 World Cup

##### Most goals conceded in a single game during the European Championship Finals

    5 vs France on 16 June 1984, Euro 1984

##### Most goals conceded in a single game during the Olympic Games finals

    8 vs Sweden on 29 May 1924, 1924 Summer Olympics

#### Scored and conceded
##### Highest total number of goals in a single game

* 13: 2–11 defeat against England Amateurs on 17 April 1909
   Thirteen times a hole in the air...
—Dutch newspaper heading after the goal-rich 1951 Netherlands-Belgium encounter; both supporter sides together had 13 reasons to jump in the air
* 13: 7–6 victory against Netherlands on 25 November 1951

### Streaks
#### Longest unbeaten run

    23 games, from 2016 to 2018

#### Longest run without victory

    13, from 1933 to 1935

#### Most consecutive wins

    12, from 2019 to 2020

#### Most consecutive draws

    4, from 1948 to 1949, and in 1998

#### Most consecutive losses

    7, from 1927 to 1928

#### Most consecutive games with at least one goal scored

    49, from 2018 to 2022

#### Most consecutive games without a goal scored

    5, in 1999

#### Most consecutive games without a goal conceded

    7, in 2019

#### Most consecutive games with at least one goal conceded

    38, from 1928 to 1933

### World rankings
#### FIFA

Source: FIFA.com
   Belgium go top, Chile and Austria soar
—FIFA News announcing Belgium's highest ever FIFA World Ranking in November 2015

##### Highest FIFA ranking

    1st (November 2015 – March 2016, September 2018 – February 2022)

##### Lowest FIFA ranking

    71st (June 2007)

##### Best Mover

    +25 (April 2011)

##### Worst Mover

    −14 (September 2010)

#### Elo

Source: Eloratings.net

##### Highest Elo rating

    2158 (following 1–0 vs Portugal on 27 June 2021)

##### Lowest Elo rating

    1497 (following 0–8 vs Netherlands on 29 March 1936)

##### Highest Elo ranking

    1st (16 November 2019 – 11 October 2020, 27 June 2021, 2 September 2021 – 8 September 2021)

##### Lowest Elo ranking

    74th (September 2009)

## Achievements
### Major titles
#### Olympic football tournament

    Gold Medal (1): 1920

### Friendly trophies

* Évence Coppée Trophy
    Shared (1): 1904
* Challenge Frédéric Vanden Abeele
    Winners (3): 1906, 1922, 1925
    Shared (3): 1913, 1921, 1924
* Rotterdamsch Nieuwsblad-beker
    Winners (5): 1906, 1907, 1913, 1922, 1926
    Shared (5): 1923, 1924, 1928 (2x), 1930
* Kirin Cup
    Shared (1): 1999

### Awards

* FIFA Team of the Year
    Winners (5): 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
* FIFA Fair Play Trophy
    Winners (1): 2002
* Belgian National Sports Merit Award
    Winners (1): 1980
* Belgian Sportsteam of the Year
    Winners (2): 2013, 2014

### Other achievements

* FIFA World Cup
    Third place (1): 2018
    Fourth place (1): 1986
* UEFA European Championship
    Runners-up (1): 1980
    Third place (1): 1972
* UEFA Nations League
    Fourth place (1): 2021

#### Individual

* For individual recognitions at major tournaments, see FIFA World Cup awards and UEFA European Championship Teams of the Tournament.
* All players with at least 35 caps are awarded a Medal of Recognition by the Royal Belgian Football Association; also players whose careers are ended by an injury after twenty games receive this award.

## FIFA rankings history

Source:
Belgium's history in the FIFA World Rankings. The table shows the position that Belgium held in December of each year (and the current position as of 2023), as well as the highest and lowest positions annually.
| Year | Position | Highest | Lowest |
| 1992 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| 1993 | 25 | 18 | 25 |
| 1994 | 24 | 19 | 34 |
| 1995 | 24 | 18 | 29 |
| 1996 | 42 | 25 | 43 |
| 1997 | 41 | 31 | 48 |
| 1998 | 35 | 28 | 41 |
| 1999 | 33 | 21 | 33 |
| 2000 | 27 | 23 | 33 |
| 2001 | 20 | 20 | 33 |
| 2002 | 17 | 17 | 23 |
| 2003 | 16 | 16 | 18 |
| 2004 | 45 | 16 | 45 |
| 2005 | 55 | 41 | 55 |
| 2006 | 53 | 47 | 57 |
| 2007 | 49 | 49 | 71 |
| 2008 | 54 | 42 | 55 |
| 2009 | 66 | 49 | 68 |
| 2010 | 57 | 48 | 68 |
| 2011 | 41 | 34 | 62 |
| 2012 | 21 | 20 | 54 |
| 2013 | 11 | 5 | 20 |
| 2014 | 4 | 4 | 12 |
| 2015 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| 2017 | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| 2018 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| 2019 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 | 5 |

## Appearances
### General
#### Most appearances

    Jan Vertonghen (2007–2024), 157 caps
The following are the top ten most capped players; players with an equal number of caps are ranked in chronological order of reaching the milestone:
| Rank | Player | Belgium career | Caps | Goals | Position |
| 1 | Jan Vertonghen | 2007–2024 | 157 | 10 | DF |
| 2 | Axel Witsel | 2008– | 132 | 12 | MF |
| 3 | Toby Alderweireld | 2009–2022 | 127 | 5 | DF |
| 4 | Eden Hazard | 2008–2022 | 126 | 33 | MF/FW |
| 5 | Romelu Lukaku | 2010– | 120 | 85 | FW |
| 6 | Dries Mertens | 2011–2022 | 109 | 21 | FW |
| 7 | Kevin De Bruyne | 2010– | 107 | 30 | MF |
| 8 | Thibaut Courtois | 2011– | 102 | 0 | GK |
| 9 | Jan Ceulemans | 1977–1991 | 96 | 22 | MF/FW |
| 10 | Timmy Simons | 2001–2016 | 94 | 6 | DF/MF |
As of 14 November 2024. The records are collected based on data from FIFA and RSSSF. Highlighted names denote a player still playing or available for selection.

#### Most consecutive appearances

    Louis Carré, 50 games, from 22 May 1949 (vs Wales) until 11 March 1956 (vs Switzerland)

#### Most appearances as a substitute

    Dries Mertens, 40 caps

#### Most times substituted off

    Eden Hazard, 58 caps

#### Most games started on the bench

    Simon Mignolet, 88 games

#### Most selections (playing + non-playing)

    Jan Vertonghen, 168 selections

#### Most selections as an unused substitute

    Simon Mignolet, 94 selections

#### Most selections as an unused substitute without ever earning a cap

    Jacques Duquesne, 16 selections

#### Most selections needed to earn first cap

    Koen Casteels, 37 selections

#### Lowest caps to selections ratio (> 0)

    Jean Valet, 1/19

#### Most selections without ever being an unused substitute

    Wesley Sonck, 55 selections

#### Most appearances as a substitute without ever starting a game

    Tom Soetaers, 8 caps

#### Most appearances while never playing an entire game

    Adnan Januzaj, 15 caps & Tom Soetaers, 8 caps

#### Most appearances in the starting eleven

    Jan Vertonghen, 149 caps

#### Most caps earned while not playing the entire game

    Dries Mertens, 89 caps

#### Most caps earned while only playing entire games

    Bernard Voorhoof, 61 caps

#### Most caps earned while playing an entire game

    Jan Vertonghen, 131 caps

#### Most caps without ever being substituted off

    Georges Heylens, 67 caps

#### Most caps without ever appearing as a substitute

    Thibaut Courtois, 102 caps

#### Most caps needed to first play an entire game

    Romelu Lukaku, 24 caps

#### Most caps needed to first appear in the starting eleven

    Mbo Mpenza, 9 caps

#### First player to reach a century of caps

    Jan Vertonghen, vs Portugal on 2 June 2018

#### Shortest time needed to reach a century of caps

    Eden Hazard, 10 years, 4 months and 5 days between his debut (vs Luxembourg on 19 November 2008) and his 100th cap (vs Cyprus on 24 March 2019)

#### Longest Belgian career

    Hector Goetinck, 6,402 days or 17 years, 6 months and 10 days between first (vs France on 22 April 1906) and last cap (vs England on 1 November 1923)

#### Shortest Belgian career

    Joris Van Hout, 2 minutes (on 16 October 2002 vs Estonia)

#### Most consecutive calendar years of appearances

    Jan Vertonghen (2007–2024), 18 years

#### Longest wait between appearances

    Hector Goetinck, 3,476 days or 9 years, 6 months and 27 days, between his 16th (vs Netherlands on 26 April 1914) and his 17th and final cap (vs England on 1 November 1923)

#### Appearances in three separate decades

* Georges Hebdin; 3 in the 1900s, 6 in the 1910s and 3 in 1920
* Hector Goetinck; 6 in the 1900s, 10 in the 1910s and 1 in 1923
* Bernard Voorhoof; 3 in 1928, 56 in the 1930s and 2 in 1940
* Vic Mees; 6 in 1949, 57 in the 1950s and 5 in 1960
* Wilfried Van Moer; 14 in the 1960s, 25 in the 1970s and 18 in the 1980s
* Jan Ceulemans; 10 in the 1970s, 75 in the 1980s and 11 in the 1990s
* Michel Preud'homme; 1 in 1979, 17 in the 1980s and 41 in the 1990s
* Eric Gerets; 19 in the 1970s, 57 in the 1980s and 10 in the 1990s
* Erwin Vandenbergh; 1 in 1979, 43 in the 1980s and 4 in the 1990s
* Filip De Wilde; 1 in 1989, 26 in the 1990s and 6 in 2000
* Danny Boffin; 2 in 1989, 39 in the 1990s and 14 in the 2000s
* Luc Nilis; 9 in the 1980s, 42 in the 1990s and 5 in 2000
* Jan Vertonghen; 20 in the 2000s, 98 in the 2010s and 39 in the 2020s
* Axel Witsel; 10 in the 2000s, 95 in the 2010s and 27 in the 2020s
* Toby Alderweireld; 4 in the 2000s, 94 in the 2010s and 29 in the 2020s
* Thomas Vermaelen; 27 in the 2000s, 51 in the 2010s and 7 in the 2020s
* Eden Hazard; 10 in the 2000s, 96 in the 2010s and 20 in the 2020s

#### Smallest number of caps needed to appear in three separate decades

    Georges Hebdin, 10 caps (total number of caps obtained: 12)

#### First player to debut as a substitute

    Louis Van Hege, vs France on 9 March 1919

#### Most times completed a game of 120 minutes

    Jan Ceulemans & Stéphane Demol, 4 games, both at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups

#### First appearance by a player who was playing abroad

    Raymond Braine (Sparta Prague, Czechoslovakia), vs France on 14 April 1935

#### First appearance by a player who had never played for the senior team of a Belgian club

    Thomas Buffel, vs Andorra on 12 October 2002

#### First appearance by a player born outside Belgium

    Eric Thornton (born in England), vs Netherlands on 30 April 1905

#### First appearance by a player born outside of Europe

    Luís Oliveira (born in Brazil), vs Tunisia on 26 February 1992

#### Last appearance by a player from a Belgian club outside the top division

    Jan Verheyen (Union Saint-Gilloise), Belgian Third Division, vs Netherlands on 25 April 1976

#### Last appearance by a player from outside the top division of any country

    Norman Bassette (Coventry City), English Championship, vs Israel on 17 November 2024

#### Players who have never played for the first team of a Belgian club

    Thomas Vermaelen, Eden Hazard, Divock Origi, Adnan Januzaj, Yannick Carrasco, Jason Denayer, Koen Casteels, Orel Mangala, Amadou Onana, Johan Bakayoko, Roméo Lavia and Koni De Winter

#### Most appearances without ever playing for the first team of a Belgian club

    Eden Hazard, 126 caps

#### Most appearances while active with a non-Belgian club

    Jan Vertonghen (Ajax, Tottenham Hotspur & Benfica), 139 caps

#### Players appearing against the country of their birth

* Stanley Vanden Eynde vs Netherlands on 3 May 1931, 9 April 1933, 7 May 1933, 2 May 1937, and 27 February 1938
* Erwin Vandendaele vs France on 15 November 1970, 12 October 1974 and 15 November 1975
* Branko Strupar vs Croatia on 2 September 2000

#### Highest number of players born outside Belgium simultaneously on the field

    3 (Luís Oliveira, Gordan Vidović & Mbo Mpenza) vs France on 27 May 1998

#### Players also appearing for another senior national team

* Josip Weber, played three friendlies for Croatia in 1992, but switched to the Belgium national team in 1994
* Mehdi Carcela played two friendlies for Belgium in 2009–2010, before opting for Morocco in 2011
* Nacer Chadli, played one friendly for Morocco in 2010, before opting for Belgium in 2011
* Ilombe Mboyo, played one friendly for DR Congo in 2011, before opting for Belgium in 2012
* Denis Odoi played one friendly for Belgium in 2012, before opting for Ghana in 2022
* Dodi Lukebakio, played one friendly for DR Congo in 2016, before opting for Belgium in 2020

#### Players capped while active outside of Europe

* Émile Mpenza: Al Rayyan ( Qatar), 3 caps
* Laurent Ciman: Montreal Impact ( Canada), 10 caps & Los Angeles FC ( United States), 1 cap
* Axel Witsel: Tianjin Quanjian ( China), 16 caps
* Yannick Carrasco: Dalian Yifang ( China), 20 caps & Al-Shabab ( Saudi Arabia), 12 caps
* Thomas Vermaelen: Vissel Kobe ( Japan), 11 caps
* Toby Alderweireld: Al-Duhail ( Qatar), 8 caps
* Koen Casteels: Al-Qadsiah ( Saudi Arabia), 6 caps

### Age-related
#### Youngest player

    Fernand Nisot, aged 16 years and 19 days, on 30 April 1911 vs Netherlands
The following are all the players who debuted for the national football team of Belgium before the age of 18, their team at that time and their usual position:
| Rank | Player (club) | Age | Position |
| 1 | Fernand Nisot (Léopold Club) | 16 years, 19 days | FW |
| 2 | Anthony Vanden Borre (Anderlecht) | 16 years, 187 days | DF/MF |
| 3 | Romelu Lukaku (Anderlecht) | 16 years, 294 days | FW |
| 4 | Paul Van Himst (Anderlecht) | 17 years, 17 days | FW |
| 5 | Jean Capelle (Standard Liège) | 17 years, 154 days | FW |
| 6 | Joseph Musch (Union Saint-Gilloise) | 17 years, 200 days | DF |
| 7 | Zakaria Bakkali (PSV Eindhoven) | 17 years, 262 days | MF |
| 8 | Vincent Kompany (Anderlecht) | 17 years, 314 days | DF |
| 9 | Eden Hazard (Lille) | 17 years, 317 days | MF/FW |
| 10 | Raymond Braine (Beerschot) | 17 years, 321 days | FW |
| 11 | Bernard Voorhoof (Lierse) | 17 years, 341 days | FW |

#### Oldest player

    Timmy Simons, aged 39 years, 11 months and 2 days, vs Estonia on 13 November 2016
The following are the top ten oldest players for the national football team of Belgium, their team at that time and their usual position:
| Rank | Player (club) | Age | Position |
| 1 | Timmy Simons (Club Brugge) | 39 years, 338 days | DF/MF |
| 2 | Jean De Bie (Racing Brussels) | 38 years, 30 days | GK |
| 3 | Philippe Vande Walle (Club Brugge) | 37 years, 256 days | GK |
| 4 | Hector Goetinck (Club Brugge) | 37 years, 241 days | MF |
| 5 | Wilfried Van Moer (Beveren) | 37 years, 119 days | MF |
| 6 | Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht) | 37 years, 68 days | DF |
| 7 | Franky Van der Elst (Club Brugge) | 37 years, 56 days | MF |
| 8 | Danny Boffin (Sint-Truiden) | 36 years, 320 days | MF |
| 9 | Eric Gerets (PSV Eindhoven) | 36 years, 313 days | DF |
| 10 | Michel De Wolf (Marseille) | 36 years, 231 days | DF |
Highlighted names denote a player still playing or available for selection.

#### Youngest goalkeeper

    Robert Hustin, aged 18 years, 6 months and 24 days, vs France on 9 May 1905

#### Youngest player to reach a century of caps

    Eden Hazard, aged 28 years, 2 months and 17 days, vs Cyprus on 24 March 2019

#### Oldest debutant

    Dany Verlinden, aged 34 years, 10 months and 7 days, vs Norway on 25 March 1998

#### Oldest outfield debutant

    Jozef Van Looy, aged 34 years, 2 months and 16 days, vs England on 18 May 1950

#### Oldest player to feature at the World Cup finals

    Wilfried Van Moer, aged 37 years, 3 months and 27 days, 1982 World Cup, vs Poland on 28 June 1982

#### Youngest player to feature at the World Cup finals

    Divock Origi, aged 19 years, 1 month and 30 days, 2014 World Cup, vs Algeria on 17 June 2014

#### Oldest player to feature at the European Championship finals

    Jan Vertonghen, aged 37 years, 2 months and 7 days, Euro 2024, vs France on 1 July 2024

#### Youngest player to feature at the European Championship finals

    Enzo Scifo, aged 18 years, 3 months and 25 days, Euro 1984, vs Yugoslavia on 13 June 1984

### On major tournaments
#### Most inclusions in a World Cup/European Championship finals squad

    Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Jan Vertonghen & Axel Witsel (2014 World Cup, Euro 2016, 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020, 2022 World Cup & Euro 2024), 6 tournaments

#### Most tournaments appeared in

    Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku & Jan Vertonghen (2014 World Cup, Euro 2016, 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020, 2022 World Cup & Euro 2024), 6 tournaments

#### Most tournaments appeared in consecutively

    Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku & Jan Vertonghen (2014 World Cup, Euro 2016, 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020, 2022 World Cup & Euro 2024), 6 tournaments

#### Most total appearances at the World Cup and European Championship finals

    Kevin De Bruyne & Romelu Lukaku, 26 caps

#### Most total non-playing selections for the World Cup and European Championship finals

    Simon Mignolet, 24 selections

#### Most total non-playing selections for the World Cup and European Championship finals without ever playing in a tournament

    Simon Mignolet, 24 selections

#### Most appearances without ever playing at the World Cup finals or the European Championship finals

    Jef Jurion, 64 caps

#### Fewest appearances while still playing at both the World Cup finals and European Championship finals

    Jacky Peeters & Branko Strupar, 17 caps

#### Most appearances without ever being in a World Cup or European Championship finals squad

    Jef Jurion, 64 caps

#### Most inclusions in a World Cup/European Championship finals squad without playing in the tournament

    Simon Mignolet (2014 World Cup, Euro 2016, 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020 & 2022 World Cup), 5 tournaments

#### Most inclusions in a World Cup/European Championship finals squad without ever playing in a tournament

    Simon Mignolet (2014 World Cup, Euro 2016, 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020 & 2022 World Cup), 5 tournaments

#### Most appearances at the Olympic Games finals

    Jean de Bie, 6 caps (3 in 1920, 1 in 1924 & 2 in 1928)

#### First player to make tournament appearances in three separate decades

    None

#### FIFA World Cup
##### Most inclusions in the squad for the World Cup finals

    Franky Van der Elst, Enzo Scifo (both in 1986, 1990, 1994 & 1998) & Marc Wilmots (1990, 1994, 1998 & 2002), 4 World Cups

##### Most appearances in different World Cup finals

    Franky Van der Elst & Enzo Scifo (both in 1986, 1990, 1994 & 1998), 4 World Cups

##### Most appearances at the World Cup finals

    Enzo Scifo, 17 caps

##### Most appearances without ever playing at the World Cup finals

    Jef Jurion, 64 caps

##### Most non-playing selections for the World Cup finals

    Simon Mignolet, 15 selections

##### Most selections for the World Cup finals without ever playing in the tournament

    Simon Mignolet, 15 selections

##### Fewest appearances while still playing at the World Cup finals

    Gérard Delbeke, 1 cap

##### Players to debut at the World Cup finals

* Henri De Deken, 1930 World Cup, vs Paraguay on 20 July 1930
* Gérard Delbeke, 1930 World Cup, vs Paraguay on 20 July 1930
* François De Vries, 1934 World Cup, vs Germany on 27 May 1934
* Denis Houf, 1954 World Cup, vs England on 17 June 1954
* Pieter van den Bosch, 1954 World Cup, vs England on 17 June 1954
* Guy Vandersmissen, 1982 World Cup, vs Argentina on 13 June 1982
* Jacky Munaron, 1982 World Cup, vs Soviet Union on 1 July 1982

#### UEFA European Championship
##### Most inclusions in the squad for the European Championship finals

    Yannick Carrasco, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Meunier, Jan Vertonghen & Axel Witsel (2016, 2020 & 2024), 3 final tournaments

##### Most appearances at the European Championship finals

    Romelu Lukaku, 14 caps

##### Most consecutive appearances at the European Championship finals

    Yannick Carrasco, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku & Jan Vertonghen (2016, 2020 & 2024), 3 final tournaments

##### Fewest appearances while still playing at the European Championship finals

    Walter De Greef & Paul Lambrichts, 5 caps

##### Most appearances without ever playing at the European Championship finals

    Timmy Simons, 94 caps

##### Appearances at most European Championship finals

    Yannick Carrasco, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku & Jan Vertonghen (2016, 2020 & 2024), 3 final tournaments

##### Most non-playing selections for the European Championship finals

    Simon Mignolet, 9 selections

##### Most non-playing selections for the European Championship finals without ever playing in the tournament

    Simon Mignolet, 9 selections

##### Players to debut at the European Championship finals

    Georges Grün, Euro 1984, vs Yugoslavia on 13 June 1984

## Goals
### General
#### First goal

    Georges Quéritet vs France on 1 May 1904

#### Most goals

    Romelu Lukaku (2010–present), 85
As of 14 November 2024, the top ten players with the most goals for Belgium are:
(Goalscorers with an equal number of goals are ranked with the highest to lowest goals per game ratio.)
| Rank | Player | Belgium career | Goals | Caps | Position | Goals per game |
| 1 | Romelu Lukaku (list) | 2010– | 85 | 120 | FW | 0.71 |
| 2 | Eden Hazard | 2008–2022 | 33 | 126 | MF/FW | 0.26 |
| 3 | Bernard Voorhoof | 1928–1940 | 30 | 61 | FW | 0.49 |
| 3 | Paul Van Himst | 1960–1974 | 30 | 81 | FW | 0.37 |
| 3 | Kevin De Bruyne | 2010– | 30 | 107 | MF | 0.28 |
| 6 | Marc Wilmots | 1990–2002 | 28 | 70 | MF | 0.4 |
| 7 | Michy Batshuayi | 2015– | 27 | 55 | FW | 0.49 |
| 7 | Joseph Mermans | 1945–1956 | 27 | 56 | FW | 0.48 |
| 9 | Robert De Veen | 1906–1913 | 26 | 23 | FW | 1.13 |
| 9 | Ray Braine | 1925–1939 | 26 | 54 | FW | 0.48 |
The records are collected based on data from FIFA and RSSSF. Highlighted names denote a player still playing or available for selection.

#### Players with the highest goals per game ratio (greater than one)

As of 19 November 2019, the players with the highest goals per game ratio (greater than one) for Belgium are:
(Players with an equal goals per game ratio are ranked by the most goals scored.)
| Rank | Player | Belgium career | Goals | Caps | Position | Goals per game |
| 1 | Jules Van Craen | 1940 | 4 | 2 | FW | 2 |
| 1 | Georges Quéritet | 1904 | 2 | 1 | FW | 2 |
| 3 | Maurice Willems | 1956–1957 | 4 | 3 | FW | 1.3333 |
| 4 | Robert De Veen | 1906–1913 | 26 | 23 | FW | 1.1304 |
The records are collected based on data from FIFA and RSSSF. Highlighted names denote a player still playing or available for selection.

#### Most goals in competitive matches

    Romelu Lukaku, 60

#### Most consecutive matches scored in

    Jef Mermans, 7

#### Most consecutive matches scored in starting with debut

    Alphonse Six & Maurice Willems, 3 each

#### Most goals on debut

    Josip Weber, 5 goals vs Zambia on 4 June 1994

#### Most matches played while scoring in each one

    Maurice Willems, 3

#### Most goals in a single calendar year

    Romelu Lukaku, 15 in 2023

#### Most goals scored by a defender

    Daniel Van Buyten & Jan Vertonghen, 10 each

#### Most goals scored by a goalkeeper

    Christian Piot, 1

#### First goal by a substitute

    François Van den Eynde, vs Irish Free State on 25 February 1934

#### Most goals scored as a substitute

    Michy Batshuayi, 9

#### Most goals scored by a substitute in a single game

    Bob Peeters, 3 goals vs San Marino on 28 February 2001

#### Most appearances without ever scoring

    Thibaut Courtois, 102

#### Most appearances for an outfield player without ever scoring

    Georges Heylens, 67

#### Most appearances needed to score his first goal

    Franky Van der Elst, 79

#### Most goals scored in extra time

* Alphonse Six, 1 goal vs Netherlands on 13 May 1910
* Stéphane Demol, 1 goal vs Soviet Union on 15 June 1986
* Nico Claesen, 1 goal vs Soviet Union on 15 June 1986
* Romelu Lukaku, 1 goal vs United States on 1 July 2014
* Kevin De Bruyne, 1 goal vs United States on 1 July 2014

#### Latest goal scored by a player

    Alphonse Six vs Netherlands on 13 May 1910, in the 114th minute

#### Latest goal conceded by a goalkeeper

    in the 119th minute
* Eddy de Neve ( Netherlands) on 13 April 1905

#### Goals in three separate decades

* Bernard Voorhoof; 1 in 1928, 28 in the 1930s and 1 in 1940
* Erwin Vandenbergh; 1 in 1979, 18 in the 1980s and 1 in 1991
* Axel Witsel; 2 in the 2000s, 7 in the 2010s and 3 in the 2020s
* Jan Vertonghen; 1 in 2009, 8 in the 2010s and 1 in 2023

#### First Belgian goalscorer at the King Baudouin Stadium

    August Hellemans (when it was still the Centenaire Stadium), Michaël Goossens (after it was renamed King Baudouin Stadium)

#### Scorers of own goals

    Robert Hustin, Edgard Poelmans, Oscar Verbeeck, Émile Stijnen, Bob Paverick, Charles Saeys, Walter Meeuws, Régis Genaux, Philippe Albert, Timmy Simons, Olivier Deschacht, Bart Goor, Vincent Kompany, Nacer Chadli, Jan Vertonghen & Timothy Castagne

### Hat-tricks
#### Most goals in a match

* Robert De Veen, 5 goals vs France on 30 April 1911
* Bert De Cleyn, 5 goals vs Luxembourg on 23 February 1946
* Josip Weber, 5 goals vs Zambia on 4 June 1994
    Including unofficial games: Herbert Potts, 7 goals vs Netherlands B on 28 April 1901

#### Four goals in a match

* Marc Van Der Linden, vs Luxembourg on 1 June 1989 (most goals in an away match)
* Romelu Lukaku, vs Azerbaijan on 19 November 2023

#### Three goals in a match

* at 33 occasions, see the list of Belgium hat-tricks

#### Most hat-tricks

    Romelu Lukaku, 4 times

#### Fastest hat-trick

    Romelu Lukaku, 13 minutes, vs Azerbaijan on 19 November 2023

#### Fastest hat-trick as a substitute

    Bob Peeters, 30 minutes, vs San Marino on 28 February 2001

#### Youngest player to score a hat-trick

    Jean Capelle, 18 years, 7 months and 10 days, vs Denmark on 5 June 1932

#### Oldest player to score a hat-trick

    Romelu Lukaku, 30 years, 6 months and 6 days, vs Azerbaijan on 19 November 2023

#### Highest number of different players to score (at least) a hat-trick in the same game

* 2, Sylvain Brébart (3) and Jean Van Cant (3), vs Germany on 23 November 1913
* 2, Josip Weber (5) and Marc Degryse (3), vs Zambia on 4 June 1994
* 2, Thomas Meunier (3) and Romelu Lukaku (3), vs Gibraltar on 31 August 2017

#### Hat-tricks at major tournaments

    Robert Coppée, vs Spain on 29 August 1920 (at the 1920 Olympics)

### Penalties
#### First player to score a penalty

    Gaston Hubin vs France on 28 January 1912

#### Most goals scored from penalties

    Eden Hazard, 10 goals

#### Most goals in penalty shoot-outs in competitive games

    Nico Claesen, Enzo Scifo, Hugo Broos, Patrick Vervoort & Leo Van der Elst, all 1 goal vs Spain on 22 June 1986

#### Most goals in penalty shoot-outs, including friendlies

* Nico Claesen, Enzo Scifo, Hugo Broos, Patrick Vervoort & Leo Van der Elst, all 1 goal vs Spain on 22 June 1986
* Eric Van Meir, Vital Borkelmans, Mbo Mpenza & Philippe Vande Walle, all 1 goal vs England on 29 May 1998

### Fastest
#### Fastest goal from kickoff

    Christian Benteke, 8.1 seconds vs Gibraltar on 10 October 2016

#### Fastest goal in debut match (since World War II)

    Tom Caluwé, 2 minutes and 52 seconds vs Saudi Arabia on 11 May 2006

#### Fastest goal by a substitute

    Marc Wilmots, 1 minute and 4 seconds vs France on 25 March 1992

#### Fastest goal at the World Cup finals

    Thomas Meunier, 3 minutes and 36 seconds vs England on 14 July 2018

#### Fastest goal at the European Championship finals

    Youri Tielemans, 1 minute and 13 seconds vs Romania on 22 June 2024

### Age-related
#### Oldest goalscorer

    Wilfried Van Moer, 37 years, 1 month and 27 days, vs Bulgaria on 28 April 1982

#### Youngest goalscorer

    Fernand Nisot, 16 years, 10 months and 27 days, vs Netherlands on 10 March 1912

#### Oldest goalscorer at the World Cup finals

    Lei Clijsters, 33 years, 7 months and 11 days, 1990 FIFA World Cup, vs Uruguay on 17 June 1990

#### Youngest goalscorer at the World Cup finals

    Divock Origi, 19 years, 2 months and 4 days, 2014 FIFA World Cup, vs Russia on 22 June 2014

#### Oldest goalscorer at the European Championship finals

    Julien Cools, 33 years, 4 months and 2 days, Euro 1980, vs Spain on 15 June 1980

#### Youngest goalscorer at the European Championship finals

    Émile Mpenza, 21 years, 11 months and 6 days, Euro 2000, vs Sweden on 10 June 2000

### On major tournaments
#### Most total goals at the World Cup and European Championship finals

    Romelu Lukaku, 11 (1 at the 2014 World Cup, 2 at Euro 2016, 4 at the 2018 World Cup and 4 at Euro 2020)

#### Most consecutive tournaments with a goal

    Romelu Lukaku, 4 (1 goal at the 2014 World Cup, 2 goals at Euro 2016, 4 goals at the 2018 World Cup & 4 goals at Euro 2020)

#### Most goals at the Olympic Games finals

    Robert Coppée (in 1920) & Raymond Braine (in 1928), 4 each

#### Most goals in an Olympic Games finals match

    Robert Coppée, 3 goals vs Spain on 29 August 1920, 1920 Summer Olympics

#### FIFA World Cup
##### Most goals in a single World Cup tournament

    Romelu Lukaku, 4 (2018)

##### Most total goals at World Cup tournaments

    Marc Wilmots (1998 & 2002) & Romelu Lukaku (2014 & 2018), 5 each

##### Most goals in a single World Cup qualifying campaign

    Romelu Lukaku, 11 (2018 World Cup qualifying)

##### Most goals in a single World Cup finals match

* Bernard Voorhoof, 2 goals vs Germany on 27 May 1934, 1934 World Cup
* Pol Anoul, 2 goals vs England on 17 June 1954, 1954 World Cup
* Wilfried Van Moer, 2 goals vs El Salvador on 3 June 1970, 1970 World Cup
* Marc Wilmots, 2 goals vs Mexico on 20 June 1998, 1998 World Cup
* Romelu Lukaku, 2 goals vs Panama on 18 June 2018 and 2 goals vs Tunisia on 23 June 2018, 2018 World Cup
* Eden Hazard, 2 goals vs Tunisia on 23 June 2018, 2018 World Cup

##### Most goals in a single World Cup qualifying match

    Marc Van Der Linden, 4 goals vs Luxembourg on 1 June 1989, 1990 World Cup qualifying

##### First goal in a World Cup finals match

    Bernard Voorhoof vs Germany on 27 May 1934, 1934 World Cup

##### First goal in a World Cup qualifying campaign

    Jean Capelle, vs Irish Free State on 25 February 1934, 1934 World Cup qualifying

#### UEFA European Championship
##### Most goals in a single European Championship tournament

    Romelu Lukaku, 4 (2020)

##### Most goals in total at European Championship tournaments

    Romelu Lukaku, 6 (2016 & 2020)

##### Most goals in a single European Championship qualifying campaign

    Romelu Lukaku (Euro 2024 qualifying), 14

##### Most goals in a single European Championship finals match

    Romelu Lukaku, 2 goals vs Republic of Ireland on 18 June 2016, Euro 2016, and 2 goals vs Russia on 12 June 2021, Euro 2020

##### Most goals in a single European Championship qualifying match

* Romelu Lukaku, 4 goals vs Azerbaijan on 19 November 2023, Euro 2024 qualifying

##### First goal in a European Championship finals match

    Odilon Polleunis vs West Germany on 14 June 1972, Euro 1972

##### First goal in a European Championship qualifying campaign

    Jacques Stockman vs Yugoslavia on 4 November 1962, Euro 1964 qualifying

## Captains
### First captain

    Camille Van Hoorden

### Most appearances as captain

    Eden Hazard, 59

### Most captaincies

The following are the top ten players assigned as captain the most times (at the start of an international game):
Correct as of 1 December 2022, after the match against Croatia.
| Rank | Player | Captaincy | Times | Position |
| 1 | Eden Hazard | 2015–2022 | 59 | MF/FW |
| 2 | Jan Ceulemans | 1984–1991 | 48 | MF/FW |
| 3 | Jef Jurion | 1960–1967 | 39 | MF |
| 4 | Paul Van Himst | 1964–1974 | 38 | FW |
| 4 | Vincent Kompany | 2010–2019 | 38 | DF |
| 6 | Armand Swartenbroeks | 1914–1928 | 37 | DF |
| 7 | Timmy Simons | 2004–2009 | 36 | DF/MF |
| 8 | Jef Mermans | 1949–1956 | 30 | FW |
| 9 | Eric Gerets | 1980–1991 | 26 | DF |
| 10 | Georges Grün | 1989–1995 | 25 | DF |
Highlighted names denote a player still playing or available for selection.

## Disciplinary
### Red cards
#### 2 expulsions

    Eric Deflandre, Vincent Kompany & Axel Witsel

#### List of all Belgian players sent off once

    Pierre Braine, Mathieu Bollen, Georges Heylens, Pierre Hanon, Walter Meeuws, Alexandre Czerniatynski, Philippe Albert, Pascal Renier, Gert Verheyen, Tjörven De Brul, Marc Wilmots, Filip De Wilde, Olivier De Cock, Bart Goor, Mousa Dembélé, Anthony Vanden Borre, Marouane Fellaini, Nicolas Lombaerts, Steven Defour & Amadou Onana

#### First player to get an expulsion

    Pierre Braine, vs Czechoslovakia on 26 May 1927

#### First substitute to get an expulsion

    Mathieu Bollen, vs Netherlands on 19 April 1959

#### First player to be expelled by receiving two yellow cards

    Walter Meeuws, vs Netherlands on 14 October 1981

#### First substitute to be expelled by receiving two yellow cards

    None

#### Youngest player to get an expulsion

    Mousa Dembélé, aged 19 years, 2 months and 25 days, vs Azerbaijan on 11 October 2006

#### Oldest player to get an expulsion

    Filip De Wilde, aged 35 years, 11 months and 14 days, vs Turkey on 8 June 2000

#### Fastest expulsion by a starting player

    27 minutes, Eric Deflandre vs Scotland on 24 March 2001

#### Fastest expulsion by a substitute

    3 minutes, Alexandre Czerniatynski, vs Hungary on 6 June 1984

#### Fastest expulsion by receiving two yellow cards

    29 minutes, Eric Deflandre, vs Spain on 9 October 2004

#### Shortest time between two yellow cards

    0 minutes, Eric Deflandre, vs Spain on 9 October 2004
   Devils Goor and Deflandre red from anger
—Word-play in a 2004 newspaper heading. Only in one match of Belgium so far, two players received a red card. Both were very displeased with their five- and three-day suspensions afterwards.

#### Highest number of expulsions of Belgian players in a single game

    2 expulsions: Eric Deflandre and Bart Goor, vs Spain on 9 October 2004

#### Highest total number of expulsions in a single game

    3 expulsions; Georges Heylens, Dobrivoje Trivić & Dragan Džajić, vs Yugoslavia on 16 October 1968

### Yellow cards
#### First player to get a yellow card

    Odilon Polleunis, vs Spain on 23 February 1969

#### First player to get a yellow card as a substitute

    François Van der Elst, vs Netherlands on 25 April 1976

#### Youngest player to get a yellow card

    Anthony Vanden Borre, 17 years, 11 months and 14 days, vs Spain on 8 October 2005

#### Oldest player to get a yellow card

    Jan Vertonghen, 37 years, 2 months and 7 days, vs France on 1 July 2024

#### Highest total of yellow cards received

    18, Vincent Kompany & Jan Vertonghen

## Miscellaneous
### Player born on the earliest date

    Joseph Romdenne, born in 1876, received his only cap on 14 May 1905 vs Netherlands

### First appearance by a player born in the 20th century

    Cornelius Elst (born on 25 January 1901) on 21 May 1922 vs Italy

### Last appearance by a player born in the 19th century

    Nicolas Hoydonckx (born on 29 December 1900) on 26 November 1933 vs Denmark

### First appearance by a player born in the 21st century

    Yari Verschaeren (born on 12 July 2001) on 9 September 2019 vs Scotland

### First substitute

    Georges Mathot replaced Charles Cambier after 46 minutes vs Netherlands on 26 April 1908

### Earliest time in the game to be substituted off

    Vincent Kompany, vs San Marino on 7 September 2005, in the 12th minute

### First substitute who was substituted off again in the same game

    Branko Strupar vs Algeria on 14 May 2002

### Shortest time between being subbed on and being subbed off

    Christophe Lepoint vs Finland on 11 August 2010, 15 minutes

### Most substitutions in one game

* 8, vs Algeria on 14 May 2002
* 8, vs Poland on 21 August 2002

### Most simultaneous substitutions

* 6, at half-time vs Yugoslavia on 19 May 1986
* 6, at half-time vs Algeria on 14 May 2002

### First game that went into extra time

    On 30 April 1905, vs Netherlands
   Oranje team beaten by playful 'Anderlecht'
—Dutch 1964 newspaper heading. It pointed to the fact that at a certain moment in Belgium's 1–0 win over the Netherlands all Belgians on the pitch came out for RSC Anderlecht

### Club providing the most Belgian internationals in a single match

    Anderlecht, 11; in the match vs Netherlands on 30 September 1964, all outfield players in the second half were from Anderlecht.

### Belgian players who later became manager/head coach

    Hector Goetinck, François Demol, André Vandewyer, Guy Thys, Walter Meeuws, Paul Van Himst, Wilfried Van Moer, Georges Leekens, René Vandereycken, Franky Vercauteren (caretaker) and Marc Wilmots

### Penalties
#### Most saves in penalty shoot-outs in competitive games

    Jean-Marie Pfaff, 1 vs Spain (penalty of Eloy Olaya) on 22 June 1986

#### Most saves in penalty shoot-outs, including friendlies

    Philippe Vande Walle, 2 vs England (penalties by Rob Lee and Les Ferdinand) on 29 May 1998

#### Most misses in penalty shoot-outs in competitive games

    None

#### Most misses in penalty shoot-outs, including friendlies

    Enzo Scifo, 1 vs England on 29 May 1998

### Clean sheets
#### Most clean sheets

    Thibaut Courtois, 51

#### Most clean sheets in competitive matches

    Thibaut Courtois, 42

#### Most clean sheets in total at the World Cup and European Championship finals

    Thibaut Courtois, 13 (2 at the 2014 World Cup, 3 at Euro 2016, 3 at the 2018 World Cup, 3 at Euro 2020 and 2 at the 2022 World Cup)

#### Most clean sheets in a single World Cup tournament

    Thibaut Courtois, 3 (2018)

#### Most clean sheets in total at World Cup tournaments

    Thibaut Courtois, 7 (2 in 2014, 3 in 2018 and 2 in 2022)

#### Most clean sheets in a single European Championship tournament

    Thibaut Courtois, 3 (2016 and 2020)

#### Most clean sheets in total at European Championship tournaments

    Thibaut Courtois, 6 (3 in 2016 and 3 in 2020)

#### Most clean sheets in a single Olympic Games finals tournament

    Jean De Bie, 2 (1920)

#### Most clean sheets in total at the Olympic Games finals

    Jean De Bie, 2 (both in 1920)

## Footnotes

* ↑ These records and statistics include caps and goals against Romania on 14 November 2012, against Luxembourg on 26 May 2014 and against Czech Republic on 5 June 2017, which were counted by RBFA, but are not officially recognised by FIFA – the former two due to an excessive number of substitutions according to the Laws of the Game, the latter because the Belgian and Czech football federations were too late in requesting an official match. When applicable, footnotes clarify the discrepancy.
* ↑ This does not include the FIFA unrecognized friendly against the Czech Republic on 5 June 2017
* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 This includes three caps in FIFA unrecognized friendlies
* 1 2 3 4 This includes two caps in FIFA unrecognized friendlies
* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 This includes one cap in a FIFA unrecognized friendly
* ↑ This includes three goals in FIFA unrecognized friendlies
* 1 2 This includes two selections for FIFA unrecognized friendlies
* ↑ This includes three selections for FIFA unrecognized friendlies
* ↑ This includes one selection in a FIFA unrecognized friendly
* 1 2 This includes three goals in FIFA unrecognized friendlies
* ↑ This includes 1 hat-trick in a by the FIFA unrecognized friendly
* ↑ Goals scored in penalty shoot-outs do not count on a player's overall scoring tally.