Arthur Theate
BOL
Starts against Inter
Theate (lower leg) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Inter.
Analysis: Theate is back in the lineup after recovering from the knock that ruled him out of the previous match. He gets the nod ahead of the available defensive alternatives, returning to his regular role now that he is fit again.
Records six clearances
Theate registered one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-2 win over Senegal.
Analysis: Theate would not leave the field for Belgium on Wednesday, as the defender played the full 120 minutes to beat Senegal. He will be disappointed to have allowed two goals, although he slightly recovered with one interception and six clearances. He has now started in two starting for Belgium as they advance into the round of 16.
Solid in defense in victory
Theate registered four shots (one on goal) in Friday's 5-1 victory versus New Zealand.
Analysis: Theate made his first start of the tournament at center-back alongside Brandon Mechele and anchored a Belgian back line that didn't allow New Zealand a single shot in the entire first half. He went the distance in a dominant defensive performance, with Belgium's only blemish coming on Elijah Just's late consolation goal, while contributing four shots (one on target), one tackle, two interceptions and five clearances. Theate helped Belgium cruise to a 5-1 victory, securing top spot in Group G and a place in the Round of 32.
Set to start in defence for Belgium
Theate shapes up as one of the key defensive figures heading into the 2026 World Cup, having been named in Belgium's squad and expected to start at center-back as one of the pillars of coach Rudi Garcia's defensive structure.
Analysis: Theate delivered another solid campaign this season despite missing some matches through injury, posting 53 tackles, 38 interceptions and 177 clearances across 32 appearances in all competitions, underlining his reliability and physical presence at the back. The center-back brings a combination of aerial dominance, aggressive defending and composure in possession that makes him well-suited to the demands of a major tournament, where defensive solidity can prove just as decisive as attacking quality. At international level, Theate is expected to serve as the leader of Belgium's defensive unit, bringing the experience and authority needed to organize those around him. However, the absence of Zeno Debast through injury creates genuine uncertainty around who will partner him at center-back, with manager Rudi Garcia facing a difficult selection puzzle in the heart of the defense. Finding the right combination alongside Theate will be one of the key challenges for the coaching staff heading into the tournament, as the solidity of the backline will play a significant role in determining how far Belgium can progress.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare