Kevin De Bruyne has accomplished plenty in his decorated career. Yet, the star Belgian midfielder does not plan to take his fourth World Cup appearance for granted.

Two days ahead of Belgium’s World Cup opener against Egypt, the 35-year-old De Bruyne stressed much has changed since his days as a Premier League sensation for Manchester City. Nearly two decades removed from representing his home country for the first time and 119 appearances later, the two-time Premier League player of the season considers himself grateful to do so.

“It’s an honour for me to still be here after playing for the national team for about 16 years. So, that means I’ve done something good,” De Bruyne said with a laugh during the English portion of Saturday’s press conference. “Hopefully I can play a good tournament and do something well for Belgium.”

The 2025-26 season, his first with Serie A club Napoli, was a challenging one for De Bruyne after 10 years at City, during which he scored 108 goals in 285 games to help the English club to six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League trophy. In October, De Bruyne had a severe lesion to his thigh muscle and did not return until March 6.

Since March, De Bruyne has appeared in 10 Serie A matches, as well as four friendlies for Belgium. In the most recent, on June 6, he scored during a 5-0 victory against Tunisia.

Before Belgium’s practice at the training facility of Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders, De Bruyne declared himself ready for the tournament.

“I have done everything I could to get fit,” De Bruyne said in French, “and I feel that way too.” Even with a clean bill of health, De Bruyne knows he has fewer chances to play for the Belgium national team. The Drongen, Belgium, native admitted as much, noting he doesn’t have another 10 years remaining in his career, and that he wants to enjoy all aspects of this tournament.

De Bruyne’s perspective is significantly different from previous stints with the Belgium national team, and his City tenure.

“You are only focused on winning and the next match,” De Bruyne said, “but after you have won, it is suddenly over.” De Bruyne doesn’t plan to ease back on his intensity with teammates. But, with other star players like winger Jérémy Doku on the roster, De Bruyne recognizes the onus for winning does not fall solely on him, or seasoned veterans like striker Romelu Lukaku or goalkeeper Thibault Courtois.

The 24-year-old Doku, a teammate with De Bruyne at City for two seasons, has impressed the veteran.

“Defending Jérémy for 90 minutes is impossible,” De Bruyne said. “He has also become more efficient over the past year. He has found more moments where he can choose his situations. To play a top tournament, we need a good Doku.

“In any case, he is already making my life easier.”

What qualifies as a “top tournament” for this Belgian side, though, is highly subjective. With holdovers from the “Golden Generation” teams like De Bruyne, Lukaku and Courtois, Belgium is still to be taken seriously as a threat to go all the way in the tournament, especially considering its relatively favorable draw in Group G with Egypt, New Zealand and Iran.

Still, after a historic third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Belgium did not advance past the group stage in 2022 in Qatar. If Belgium is to recapture the momentum of that 2018 performance, having De Bruyne in top form would go a long way.

De Bruyne will have a chance to turn back the clock quickly when he and Belgium square off against former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Egypt in their World Cup opener on Monday.

“I played against Mo for 10 years,” De Bruyne said. “Our kids also went to the same school. So, I saw him from time to time. And, he’s a really nice guy. So, it will be nice to see him. It will be nice to compete again like old times.”

Debast cleared for World Cup

Center back Zeno Debast, who was absent from the portions of both Wednesday’s and Thursday’s training sessions that were open to the media, remains part of the Belgian squad for the World Cup. In a statement released by the team in French, it was determined in consultation with both the technical and medical staffs that Debast will remain part of the roster.

The 22-year-old Debast injured his leg last month while training with Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon and is not expected to be available until later in the tournament. Debast has 26 matches for Belgium and was on the 2022 World Cup roster in Qatar. (AP) SKY SKY

Published – June 14, 2026 09:29 am IST

Manchester City vs Real Madrid LIVE Streaming, UEFA Champions League: For the fourth year in a row, Real Madrid will be taking on Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, with the first leg taking place at the home of the Premier League champions. Unlike the previous years, this season sees the clash take place at the pre-Round of 16 stage, with both sides having finished outside the Top 8 of the Champions League group. Real Madrid finished 11th while City finished 22nd. Los Blancos enter the game after a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in La Liga, while City beat Leyton Orient 2-1 in the FA Cup. Real Madrid have won in two of the clashes in the last three years against City.

Manchester City vs Real Madrid LIVE Streaming UEFA Champions League 2024-25 LIVE Telecast: Check Where and How to Watch?

When will the Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Champions League match take place?

The Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Champions League match will take place on Wednesday, February 12 (IST).

Where will the Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Champions League match be held?

The Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Champions League match will be held at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.

What time will the Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Champions League match start?

The Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Champions League match will start at 1:30 AM IST.

Which TV channels will show the live telecast of the Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Champions League match?

The Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Champions League match will be televised live on the Sony Sports network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Champions League match?

The Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Champions League match will be live streamed on the SonyLIV app and website.

(All details are as per information shared by the broadcaster)

Pep Guardiola said he cannot see Manchester City winning the Champions League on current form, but believes his side will be better when they face the might of either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich next month. City needed a second-half fightback from 1-0 down to beat Club Brugge 3-1 on Wednesday to avoid crashing out before the knockout stages for the first time since 2012. Their reward could be just a stay of execution against either the defending champions or Guardiola’s former club Bayern.

City have also been a diminished force in the Premier League this season, where they sit fourth — 12 points behind leaders Liverpool.

But Guardiola is hopeful they will be strengthened by the return of key players from injury and new signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis in the coming weeks.

“Right now no. I’m so realistic,” said Guardiola when asked if the 2023 champions could win the competition again.

“Madrid is back in terms of results, Bayern played an incredible season so far with (coach) Vinny (Kompany). If we have to play tomorrow it will be difficult but in two weeks we don’t know.

“We are going to prepare well, be fit and try it and see what happens.”

Despite their struggles, City have won six and drawn one of their last eight games.

“At least lately we are getting results,” added Guardiola. “We are fourth in Premier League, not in the title race, no way, but still we are there.

“FA Cup we are there. Sometimes it is impossible today but tomorrow the mindset, the vibes change and I’m pretty sure we will try and create problems for Madrid or Bayern.”

City’s narrow escape played a central role on a dramatic final night for the first season of the Champions League’s new Swiss model format.

Guardiola said he could appreciate the change has made the early stages of the competition more appealing to fans, even if it caused him far more tension.

And he believes other big clubs will face similar struggles in the future.

“As a spectator how many things (were still to be decided) is nice. The problem is we play more games in October, November, December and in the future important teams will live what we lived this season.

“We were on the verge, 45 minutes from being out. It is an incredible lesson for me, the club that nothing is (taken) for granted.

“Congratulate the team because still they have pride and we’ll see how we arrive in two weeks.”

Pep Guardiola admitted his Manchester City side “could not cope” with Paris Saint-Germain after throwing away a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 to the French side on Wednesday, leaving their Champions League hopes on the brink. “They were better. We have to accept it, We have the last chance at home against Bruges. We will do everything there and if we don’t it is because we don’t deserve it,” Guardiola told reporters after the match at the Parc des Princes.

“They were better, we have to accept it. It’s sport and it is like that.”

City had taken control as Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland both scored early in the second half for the visitors.

However, Ousmane Dembele pulled one back and Bradley Barcola equalised on the hour mark for PSG, who then went in front through a Joao Neves header on 78 minutes and wrapped up the win in stoppage time when Goncalo Ramos got their fourth goal.

PSG move above City in the standings, leaving Guardiola’s team 25th out of 36 teams with eight points from seven games.

Only the top 24 qualify for the knockout phase, but City host Club Brugge in their final league phase fixture next Wednesday and a win in that match should suffice for the 2023 European champions to progress to the play-off round.

Before that City host Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday in a key game in the fight for a top-four finish domestically.

“I knew it would be tough. PSG is an exceptional team. We could not cope,” added Guardiola, who pointed to the home side having an extra man in midfield as being key.

“I would like to say differently but when one team plays better you have to accept it.

“Now we have to prepare for a tough game against Chelsea and of course the final against Bruges. Try to move forward. I know the players gave everything.”

It is yet to be seen if Ruben Dias will feature in either of those games after the Portuguese defender came off at half-time in Paris.

“He asked to be replaced because he didn’t feel good,” the coach said of Dias, who has only just returned from a spell on the sidelines due to injury.

Manchester City vs Manchester United Live Streaming Premier League: Manchester’s crisis-hit clubs face off in the Premier League when City host United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. City’s run of one win in 10 games in all competitions is an unprecedented slump for the English champions during Pep Guardiola’s reign. Despite that poor run of form, Guardiola’s men are still eight points clear of a United team who have tumbled to 13th in the table. On the other hand, United have won just one of their four Premier League games under new manager Ruben Amorim.

City have won four of their last five Premier League games against United, and have scored 13 goals in the past three league meetings at home.

When will the Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match take place?

Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will take place on Sunday, December 15 (IST).

Where will the Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match be held?

The Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will be held at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.

What time will the Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match start?

The Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will start at 10:00 PM IST.

Which TV channels will show the live telecast of the Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match?

The Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will be televised on the Star Sports network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match?

The Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will be live streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

Man City vs Man Utd LIVE: Here are the team sheets!

Man City XI: Ederson, Walker (C), Dias, Gvardiol, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Nunes, Foden, Doku, Haaland

SUBS: Ortega Moreno, Stones, Kovacic, Grealish, Savinho, Simpson-Pusey, Mubama, O’Reilly, McAtee

Man Utd XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Maguire, Dalot; Diallo, Mount, Ugarte; B. Fernandes, Hojlund.

SUBS: Bayindir, Lindelof, Malacia, Yoro, Casemiro, Eriksen, Mainoo, Antony, Zirkzee

Manchester City snapped a seven-game winless streak as Kevin De Bruyne played a starring role in a 3-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. The Belgian created Bernardo Silva‘s opening goal and then scored the second before Jeremy Doku rounded off a much-needed victory for the English champions. City’s barren run included six defeats to leave them 11 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool before kick-off. However, De Bruyne’s return to the starting line-up for the first time in nearly three months helped resume normal service at the Etihad Stadium.

City move back into the top four and within nine points of Liverpool after their 3-3 draw at Newcastle.

Pep Guardiola had to shoot down suggestions of a rift with De Bruyne on the eve of the game after bedding him back into action slowly with a series of substitute appearances.

The 33-year-old showed what City have been missing as he rolled back the years and could well have had more than just one goal.

Guardiola reacted to Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool by making four changes as Josko Gvardiol, Doku and Jack Grealish also came into the team.

It took just eight minutes for City to make the breakthrough.

Ilkay Gundogan‘s cross was headed back towards goal by De Bruyne and Silva was in the right place to tap home from centimetres out.

Guardiola claimed pre-match that Ederson remains his number one goalkeeper but the Brazilian was again benched in favour of Stefan Ortega.

The German made a big save to deny Morgan Gibbs-White before Forest missed a glorious chance to put the Etihad crowd back on edge.

Chris Wood‘s fine goalscoring form has been the catalyst to a fabulous season so far for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.

But the New Zealander was wayward as he fired wide with just Ortega to beat.

De Bruyne settled City nerves on 31 minutes when he collected Doku’s pass inside the area and coolly slotted into the top corner.

Erling Haaland has now failed to find the net in his last three Premier League games.

But the Norwegian did play a part in the third goal with the assist for Doku, who cut inside and fired into the far corner.

De Bruyne saw a free-kick curl just wide and was then denied a second by his international team-mate Matz Sels.

He was given a standing ovation when he departed 15 minutes from time.

City spectacularly collapsed from 3-0 up to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord in the Champions League eight days ago.

However, there was never any sense of a repeat as they controlled the closing stages to add a clean sheet to an all-round restorative night for Guardiola’s men.

Defeat leaves Forest still in sixth but now four points off the top four.

Brighton And Hove Albion vs Manchester City LIVE Streaming Premier League© AFP

Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco named his squad on Friday that will take on Italy and France in the Nations League, with Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne missing out through injury. The 33-year-old midfielder had left the question of his international future somewhat up in the air but told Tedesco that he would still be available for selection for the next two years. “I had a long telephone talk with Kevin where, first of all, now he is injured but in general he is very motivated to continue to be with us and to play also the World Cup,” said the Italian coach.

“He asked me to be out for this camp and for the November camp to take care of his body.”

Napoli star Romelu Lukaku‘s name was also missing from the list of 23 as Tedesco decided to rest the striker and allow him “to work individually” as he settles into life in the southern Italian club, which he joined in late August.

Belgium will play Italy in Rome on October 10, before travelling to Brussels to face France four days later.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Koen Casteels (Al Qadsiah/KSA), Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Maarten Vandevoordt (RB Leipzig/GER)

Defenders: Sebastiaan Bornauw (Wolfsburg/GER), Timothy Castagne (Fulham/ENG), Zeno Debast (Sporting Portugal/POR), Maxim De Cuyper (Club Bruges), Wout Faes (Leicester/ENG), Matte Smets (Genk), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Francfort/GER), Koni De Winter (Genoa/ITA)

Midfielders: Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta/ITA), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa/ENG), Orel Mangala (Lyon/FRA), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa/ENG), Arne Engels (Celtic/SCO), Malick Fofana (Lyon/FRA)

Forwards: Johan Bakayoko (PSV/NED), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City/ENG), Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla/ESP), Lois Openda (RB Leipzig/GER), Cyril Ngonge (Naples/ITA), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal/ENG)