Kevin De Bruyne Confident Of Reclaiming Fitness And Form Ahead Of World Cup 2026

Kevin De Bruyne believes full sharpness will return after Belgium’s first World Cup matches, as preparation continues for the opener against Egypt on June 15, followed by group fixtures with Iran and New Zealand in Group G at this summer’s tournament.

The Napoli midfielder has dealt with a major hamstring problem this season, which forced Kevin De Bruyne to sit out 30 matches for club and country during the 2025-26 campaign, but rehabilitation work in Belgium has left Kevin De Bruyne feeling close to peak fitness again.

Belgium share Group G with Egypt, Iran and New Zealand, and history is on Belgium’s side, as Belgium have progressed beyond the opening round in seven of the last nine World Cup appearances, with only 1998 and 2022 ending in group-stage exits, while Belgium have lost just one of the last 15 World Cup group fixtures (W8 D6), a 0-2 defeat to Morocco in 2022, and Kevin De Bruyne has delivered four World Cup assists for Belgium, the joint-highest for the national team along with Eden Hazard.

"It's hard to explain in front of a camera. At the beginning, I was scared because I had already suffered a hamstring injury two years ago, De Bruyne said via TMW."

"This is why I decided to do the rehabilitation here. I have full trust in Lieven [Maesschalck] and his staff. We decided to bring the final part of the work on the pitch here [Belgium]. In practice, I spent the entire rehabilitation period here, and I think it was the best choice. I've never had relapses or moments when I didn't feel well. I didn't feel pain or discomfort."

Kevin De Bruyne looked back with some frustration at the club season, noting the strong early form before injury struck, stating that "It's a pity because I had started the season really well and felt in great shape, but now I look forward with confidence. I hope to be in my best shape as soon as possible. I feel ready, and I'm convinced that after a couple of games I'll get back in shape and fully regain my form."