Yesterday we looked at two Belgian Pro League goalkeepers heading to the 2026 World Cup. Today, we turn our attention to defenders.
Luc De Fougerolles – Canada
Dender’s on-loan defender Luc De Fougeroles will hope to avoid the disappointment of being relegated to the Pro League after the World Cup. The 20-year-old was loaned to Dender by Fulham for the season and made 30 appearances in what was a disappointing campaign for the club. At the international level, De Fougerolles may see a move, having earned 12 caps for Canada. The hosts have a great side with current and former Belgian Pro League talent and expectations for a respectable tournament are high.
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Jean-Kevin Duverne – Haiti
Like De Fougerolles, Duverne was relegated from the Pro League 12 months ago. However, he impressed at Kortrijk and was signed on loan by Gent in the summer. The versatile 28-year-old spent almost his entire career in France before moving to Belgium twice in the past few months. He has played in 24 games for the Buffaloes, scoring once. Duverne has played 15 games for Haiti and will be a key player for them in the World Cup. He played all 90 minutes in a 4-0 friendly win over New Zealand.
Wilguens Paugain – Haiti
Fellow Haitian Wilguens Paugain of Zulte Waregem joins Duverne in the island nation’s long-awaited World Cup return. The defender had a decent first season at Pro League level for the promoted club, making 25 appearances in total. It is possible that Paugain will have to deal with appearing on the bench. The group has a tough group with Brazil, Morocco and Scotland on their way to the knockout stage.
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Joel Ordonez – Ecuador
Another nation full of talent in the Belgian Pro League, all eyes will be on Club Brugge’s elite defender Joel Ordonez from Ecuador. The team is in an interesting group alongside Curacao, Germany and Cote d’Ivoire, and many expect them to have a top-class competition. The 22-year-old has competition for a place in the starting line-up, with Willian Pacho, formerly of Antwerp, a clear star at the back. Ordonez’s good form will allow Club Brugge to add a few million to the defender’s price tag this summer.
Yaimar Medina – Ecuador
The 21-year-old Medina has made 40 appearances for Genk this season, although only 18 of those have come in the league. Medina has been used as a fullback but can also play as a fullback. This was his first full season with the Genk first team, joining Inependiente del Valle in 2024. Medina could be a bench option for Ecuador with other, more proven options ahead of him in the pecking order.
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Zakaria El Ouahdi – Morocco
Genk’s standout player this season, El Ouahdi is definitely suffering from the talent the Atlas Lions have at full back. The 24-year-old could provide a spark off the bench for the Moroccans, with his 12 goals and five assists in 45 games for Genk this season a testament to how influential he can be going forward.
Redouane Halhal – Morocco
KV Mechelen’s Redouane Halhal has called up Morocco after his first full season at the Belgian club. He started the teams that recently won the friendly match against Madagascar, which may suggest that he has a chance to play when the World Cup comes. However, Nayef Ageurd and Issa Diop are more likely to be the starters if new coach Mohamed Ouahbi chooses two defenders.
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Brandon Mechelen – Belgium
Fresh from another Belgian Pro League title, Brandon Mechele will now be able to go to his first World Cup at the age of 33. This experienced defender may be called upon if multiple options fail. However, it is unlikely that we will see much of Mechele unless Belgium need to close the game and select more defenders.
Joquain Seys – Belgium
On the other side of his teammate in terms of work, Seys will get to enjoy his first World Cup at just 21 years old. The Club Brugge defender is a huge talent and has had another fantastic season, sealing a trip to the World Cup. Also, Seys won’t be able to start and probably won’t be called on regularly by Rudi Garcia if he is given other options in the team.
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Joris Kayembe – DR Congo
Joris Keymebe joins Epolo in the DR Congo team that returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1974. The left-back has made 39 appearances for Genk this season, providing one assist. Since switching allegiance at international level from Belgium to DR Congo, Kayembe has played 23 games for Leopards, featured in Afcon and now has a World Cup. Arthur Masuaku is often favored by coach Sebastien Desabre, but an injury to the former West Ham player could open up an opportunity for Kayembe.
Shogo Taniguchi – Japan
Shogo Taniguchi, despite being 34 years old, makes a Japanese team that will face strong competition. The experienced defender started 32 games 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 is likely to add to this if there are injuries or the team needs to see games outside and wants his experience on the pitch. Off the field, he will certainly be valuable in the dressing room for the young players in the team, as he has been in Belgium.
