Leandro Trossard — Belgien WM 2026 Kader

Leandro Trossard has carved out a reputation as one of the Premier League's most effective versatile Stürmers, a player whose value lies in tactical flexibility rather than headline Torecoring. With 24 Tore in 64 Belgium Länderspiele and a growing role at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, Trossard enters the 2026 WM as Belgium's most adaptable attacking option, capable of operating across the front line and as an impact substitute who changes games.

Career Highlights

Trossard scored a Premier League hat-trick against Liverpool at Anfield while at Brighton in October 2022, a performance that accelerated Arsenal's decision to sign him four months later. For Belgium, he delivered a decisive assist in the 2-1 Nations League win over Wales and scored in the 3-0 victory over Sweden in Euro 2024 qualifying. His 24 international Tore include a brace against Denmark in September 2020 that announced him as more than a squad player. At Arsenal, he contributed 12 league Tore in the 2023-24 campaign despite starting fewer than half of the matches.

Club Career

Trossard spent four seasons at Brighton, where Graham Potter developed him from a wide Stürmer into a multi-positional attacker comfortable on either flank, through the middle, or as a second striker. His 2022-23 season yielded 11 Premier League Tore before a contract dispute with Brighton accelerated a move to Arsenal for a reported fee of 27 million euros. Under Arteta, Trossard became the ultimate squad Stürmer, starting 17 league matches in 2023-24 but appearing in 34, delivering Tore and assists at a rate that made him arguably the league's most productive super sub. His ability to drift into pockets of space and finish with either foot gives Arteta a variable that few other Stürmers provide.

International Career & WM History

Trossard was part of Belgium's disappointing 2022 WM squad but started only the third group match against Croatia, playing 62 minutes in the goalless draw that eliminated Belgium. He had been more influential in Euro 2020 qualifying, scoring five Tore, but the tournament itself saw him limited to substitute appearances as Roberto Martinez favored Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens. Under Tedesco, Trossard's role expanded significantly. He started eight of ten qualifying matches for the 2026 WM, scoring four times and providing the tactical flexibility that Tedesco's system demands.

WM 2026 Outlook

Trossard's versatility makes him indispensable for a Belgium side transitioning away from its golden generation. He can replace Lukaku as a false nine, operate on the left to accommodate De Bruyne centrally, or come off the bench to stretch tired defenses. His Arsenal training under Arteta's positional play structure means he interprets space and pressing triggers at a level that translates directly to tournament football. At 30, this is his peak WM opportunity — a chance to move from capable squad member to definitive starter.