2018 Belgium Home – Marouane Fellaini #8 XL

Marouane Fellaini, then playing for Manchester United, was a crucial squad member for Roberto Martínez’s Belgium side.

• Appearances: Featured in 5 of Belgium’s 7 matches, often as a substitute to change the game with his aerial power and physical presence.

• Key Performance:

  • Round of 16 vs. Japan: Scored the vital equalizer (2–2) with a trademark header in the 74th minute, sparking Belgium’s incredible comeback victory.

  • His presence gave Belgium a direct attacking option, unsettling defenses late in matches.

• Overall Role:

  • Used primarily as an impact substitute in central midfield or as a target man.

  • Provided balance and aggression, particularly in physical contests against Brazil and France.

• Legacy: Fellaini’s decisive goal against Japan remains one of the most iconic moments of Belgium’s 2018 World Cup campaign, highlighting his importance as a “Plan B” weapon for Martínez.

3. Full Squad List – Belgium 2018 World Cup

Manager: Roberto Martínez

Goalkeepers:

• Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)

• Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)

• Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg)

Defenders:

• Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)

• Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)

• Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona)

• Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)

• Dedryck Boyata (Celtic)

• Thomas Meunier (Paris Saint-Germain)

Midfielders:

• Axel Witsel (Tianjin Quanjian)

• Mousa Dembélé (Tottenham Hotspur)

• Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

• Youri Tielemans (Monaco)

• Nacer Chadli (West Bromwich Albion)

• Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United)

• Leander Dendoncker (Anderlecht)

Forwards:

• Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

• Dries Mertens (Napoli)

• Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United)

• Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea)

• Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad)

• Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Mönchengladbach)