{
  "id": 8232360,
  "title": "Van Bommel names first Belgium squad with eight changes from World Cup",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/van-bommel-names-first-belgium-squad-with-eight-changes-from-world-cup",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T11:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/09/18/van-bommel-names-first-belgium-squad-with-eight-changes-from-world-cup"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Belgium's national team coach Mark van Bommel unveiled a squad of 28 players for their upcoming Nations League matches on Friday. Notably, eight players who did not participate in the recent World Cup were included in the roster. However, first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who requested a break from the Nations League due to playing time concerns, remains absent. Jeremy Doku, a key figure in the World Cup squad but who had an underwhelming performance, will also miss out due to injury. Veteran defender Thomas Meunier has been dropped from the team, while Axel Witsel has retired from international football. The squad is bolstered by uncapped players, including goalkeepers Jari De Busser, Mike Penders, and Maarten Vandevoordt, as well as 21-year-old fullback Kyriani Sabbe. The lineup features established stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Meunier, and Romelu Lukaku, alongside promising talents like Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Youri Tielemans. The team will face Italy, France, Turkey, and a rematch against France in matches scheduled between September 25 and October 5.",
  "summary": "Mark van Bommel included eight players who missed the World Cup in his 28-man squad to face Italy, France and Turkey in the Nations League matches between Sept 25 and Oct 5.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "FULL LIST: Eight stadiums set to host 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/full-list-eight-stadiums-set-to-host-2027-womens-world-cup-in-brazil",
        "published": "2026-09-18T09:22:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Van Bommel names first Belgium squad with eight changes from World Cup",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/van-bommel-names-first-belgium-squad-with-eight-changes-from-world-cup-8233583",
        "published": "2026-09-18T11:10:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}