Leandro Trossard — Belgium World Cup 2026 Squad

Leandro Trossard has carved out a reputation as one of the Premier League's most effective versatile forwards, a player whose value lies in tactical flexibility rather than headline goalscoring. With 24 goals in 64 Belgium caps and a growing role at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, Trossard enters the 2026 World Cup 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 goals include a brace against Denmark in September 2020 that announced him as more than a squad player. At Arsenal, he contributed 12 league goals 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 forward 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 goals 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 forward, starting 17 league matches in 2023-24 but appearing in 34, delivering goals 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 forwards provide.

International Career & World Cup History

Trossard was part of Belgium's disappointing 2022 World Cup 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 goals, 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 World Cup, scoring four times and providing the tactical flexibility that Tedesco's system demands.

World Cup 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 World Cup opportunity — a chance to move from capable squad member to definitive starter.