When fans hear Belgium longest unbeaten run, most immediately think of those golden years when the Red Devils struck fear into Europe’s giants. For Belgian supporters, that record is a proud badge—23 games without defeat between 2016 and 2018. But this streak is more than just a stat. It captures a moment when Belgium blended talent, ambition, and belief. In this article, QuraGoal will explore how that run came to be, what matches defined it, how it compares to other nations, and what it.
The era of the Red Devils’ rise
To understand that unbeaten run, we must first paint the backdrop. In the 2010s, Belgium entered what many called their “golden generation”—a core of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois, and others. Under the guidance of coaches like Marc Wilmots and then Roberto Martínez, Belgium’s ambition was to become a perennial heavyweight.
By 2015, Belgium had reached No. 1 in FIFA rankings.
Anatomy of the 23-match unbeaten streak
The Belgium longest unbeaten run in official matches stands at 23 games (from September 2016 to November 2018). This is the record recognized in the national team’s historical record books.
Key phases of the streak
The run begins in September 2016. Over the next two years, Belgium would face friendlies, World Cup qualifiers, Nations League and tournament matches—yet avoid defeat for 23 straight games.
Some touchpoints:
- Qualifiers and competitive matches: The run included high-stakes games in World Cup qualifying. Belgium showed consistency under pressure.
- 2018 FIFA World Cup: Their campaign in the 2018 tournament is partly overlapped by thish. They navigated the group phase and knockout rounds with flair.
- International friendlies: Even non-competitive matches during this era were taken seriously; the streak encompassed both competitive and friendly fixtures, as long as they were officially recognized by FIFA.
- End of the run: The streak concluded in November 2018, when Belgium eventually succumbed to a defeat in a match that marked the end of that remarkable plateau.
Match-by-match highlights
While listing all 23 matches is lengthy, some stand out:
- Dominant wins: Belgium recorded convincing victories during this stretch, including high-scoring games that underscored how they could not only survive but dominate.
- Stability in defense: The Red Devils often conceded few goals in this run, a testament to a solid backline and goalkeeping under Courtois.
- Close calls and draws: Not every match was a walkover. Some games were tight draws or hard-fought wins—part of what gives this run its narrative texture.
If fans want, I can list the full 23-match detailed breakdown, game by game.
Comparison with other national unbeaten runs
A 23-match unbeaten run is extraordinary—but how does it measure up globally?
Not the longest ever, but elite company
There are national teams that have gone longer without defeat. For instance, Italy and Spain have had stretches of extended dominance. But Belgium’s streak stands out because:
- It came during an era of global parity—no easy opponents.
- It straddled major tournaments and qualifiers.
- It occurred during a period when one poor result could stop momentum.
Among the powerhouses of European football, a 23-match stretch still ranks among the more memorable streaks.
Unbeaten verdicts vs. winning streaks
It’s worth differentiating: an unbeaten run can include draws; a winning streak is only consecutive victories. Belgium’s record unbeaten streak is 23, but their longest winning run is 12 consecutive wins, achieved between 2019 and 2020. This emphasizes that while they didn’t win every time during the 23-match run, they also avoided defeat—sometimes.
Why that run mattered
The Belgium longest unbeaten run did more than pad a record books—it affirmed that era as truly special for Belgian football.
Establishing consistency
To many observers, Belgium was always talented; this run proved they could remain consistent across years, against varied opponents and in different contexts.
Elevating stature
Between 2016 and 2018, Belgium turned from dark-horse to favorite in many eyes. Their unbeaten stretch reinforced respect.
Building squad confidence
For players like De Bruyne, Lukaku, Mertens, and the defenders, going into games knowing the streak was alive gave an extra edge—psychological power that often shifts tight matches.
Legacy and expectations
That run set expectations high for subsequent Belgian teams. Whenever they lose now, comparisons inevitably arise: “Will we match or break that 23-game mark?” The streak became a benchmark.
Risks, vulnerabilities, and how the run ended
No unbeaten run is immune. California cracks emerge:
Fixture congestion and fatigue
International calendars are brutal. Between club duties and national calls, players become fatigued. Over two years, the toll shows.
Form slumps and rotation
Key players might dip or rest. In some matches, the squad depth had to fill gaps, sometimes weakening cohesion.
Strong opponents
Eventually, the streak collided with an opponent able to outplay or outlast Belgium on a given day.
When the run ended in November 2018, it served as a reset—a reminder that even the greatest streaks must eventually stop.
Aftermath: What came next
Post-2018, Belgium remained a top national side but never replicated an identical unbeaten stretch of 23. Their winning run of 12 between 2019 and 2020 is a separate highlight.
Over the following years, expectations remained high—but with more volatility, injuries, and generational transition. The golden generation has aged; new blood is being poured into the system. Yet that 23-match run remains a touchstone—a high-water mark that future Belgian squads aim to match, if not surpass.
Final Thoughts
The Belgium longest unbeaten run—23 matches from 2016 to 2018—is more than just a numerical record. It encapsulates an era of Belgian ambition, consistency, and footballing excellence. That streak showed the world that Belgium was no longer a dark horse—they were elites.
If you enjoyed this deep dive and want match breakdowns, comparisons with other national streaks, or analyses of Belgium’s best players during that era, keep browsing QuraGoal. Let’s keep tackling football’s legends, records, and stories—together.
