Hans Vanaken
BelgiumMidfielderClub Brugge KVHans Vanaken goes into World Cup 2026 as a midfielder who can shape tempo and spacing for Belgium. He brings 32 caps and 7 goals into the tournament. Club Brugge KV provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is first-touch decisions, central spacing and the next pass after a regain.
Group G
Jun 15, 2026vs Egypt - 12:00 PM PDT
Quick Facts
Hans Vanaken and Belgium World Cup 2026 Squad
Belgium selected Hans Vanaken for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a midfielder, he can give the ball a safe route forward and close central lanes when possession is lost.
Vanaken is part of a group of 6 midfielders, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Hans Vanaken brings 32 caps and 7 goals into the tournament.
Vanaken's senior international timeline dates back to 2018, which gives the record more weight than a simple squad listing.
International Record
- International record: Hans Vanaken enters the tournament with 32 caps and 7 goals for Belgium.
- World Cup 2026 role: Belgium list Hans Vanaken as a midfielder, with minutes linked to form, workload and game state.
- Group opponents: Belgium face Egypt, IR Iran and New Zealand in the group stage.
Playing Style and Strengths
Vanaken's World Cup value starts with first-touch decisions, central spacing and the next pass after a regain.
Vanaken's first touch can decide whether midfield pressure becomes a problem or a chance to play forward.
- Tempo control
- Pressure resistance
- Recovery runs
- Forward passing
- Second-ball duels
- Central spacing
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Belgium start against Egypt on 15 June 2026 in Seattle. For Vanaken, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
IR Iran follow on 21 June 2026 in Los Angeles. For Vanaken, the second fixture can quickly change the selection picture if the opener leaves Belgium chasing points or protecting workload.
| Kickoff | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 15, 202612:00 PM PDT | Egypt | Seattle Stadium, Seattle |
| Jun 21, 202612:00 PM PDT |  IR Iran | Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles |
| Jun 26, 20268:00 PM PDT |  New Zealand | BC Place Vancouver, Vancouver |
Dates and kickoff times above are shown in the venue timezone.
Recent Form
Hans Vanaken played 39 Jupiler Pro League matches for Club Brugge KV in 2025/26, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists.
Vanaken's latest checked appearance came on June 2, 2026, with 22 minutes in Croatia versus Belgium.
Career Stats
Hans Vanaken brings 32 caps and 7 goals into the tournament.
For Belgium, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Vanaken's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Belgium |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Club | Club Brugge KV |
| Caps | 32 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Born | 24 August 1992 |
World Cup 2026 Role
Hans Vanaken enters World Cup 2026 with Belgium as a midfielder. The senior record stands at 32 caps and 7 goals. Match role, form and group-stage needs will shape his minutes.
Belgium will judge him through training rhythm before the tournament. The useful signs are ball security, passing choices and recovery runs.
Belgium start against Egypt on Jun 15, 2026 in Seattle. IR Iran and New Zealand come next in the group. The match order can affect workload and selection.
FAQ
Is Hans Vanaken in the Belgium World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Hans Vanaken is in Belgium's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Hans Vanaken play?
He is listed as a midfielder for Belgium.
How many international caps and goals does Hans Vanaken have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 32 caps and 7 goals for Belgium.
Who are Belgium's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
Belgium face Egypt, IR Iran and New Zealand in the group stage.
When is Hans Vanaken's first World Cup 2026 match?
Belgium start against Egypt on 15 June 2026 in Seattle.
What is Hans Vanaken's latest club form?
He plays for Club Brugge KV in the checked player facts.
More Belgium World Cup 2026 Player Profiles
Explore more Belgium squad profiles, including teammates who can share minutes, supply service or affect the same match plan.
Group G Table
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belgium | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 2 | Egypt | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 3 | IR Iran | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 3 | -6 | 1 |