'World Cup Fans' is a special SBS News series running in the lead up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. It looks at the 32 qualifying countries through the eyes of their fans in Australia.
Belgium's best performance at the World Cup was back in 1986. 'The Red Devils', as the national sign are nicknamed, was beaten by Argentina in the semi-finals, before losing the third-place playoff to France.
But Belgian fans in Australia believe a new generation of players can better that performance in this year's tournament in Russia.
Members of Australia's Belgian community gather in Sydney. Source: Adrian Arciuli / SBS News
"I think we have to go at least for the semi-finals," one of them, Jean-Christophe Mignon, told SBS News.
"Anything below would be a little bit of a disappointment."
Some of the world's best football players hail from the Western European country, which has a population of 11 million.
Kevin De Bruyne has been instrumental for current English Premier League leaders Manchester City this season. And Ans Debruyne is one of many Belgian fans that idolises the star midfielder.
"He gives a lot of good assists and I just also like him as a person," she said.
"He seems to be humble, something that is appreciated in Belgium, we don't want arrogant people."
Star player Kevin De Bruyne. Source: Getty Images
There's no doubting Belgium will have one of the strongest squads in Russia.
Striker Romelu Lukaku has thrived at Manchester United, while midfielder Eden Hazard remains one of Chelsea's most consistent performers.
Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Mousa Dembélé have also been integral in Tottenham's rise up the table, while away from the English clubs, Michy Batshuayi has excelled since moving to Borussia Dortmund on loan.
Eden Hazard of Chelsea and Belguim. Source: Getty Images
Belgium begins its World Cup campaign against tournament debutants Panama on June 18. The Red Devils then face Tunisia before a showdown with England in the final match of the group stage.
Thousands of Belgian fans will be following the tournament from Australia.
Belgians are confident of a strong showing in Russia Source: Adrian Arciuli
Birte Verhaegen started the 'Belgians in Sydney' Facebook group 10 years ago. It now has over 1,000 members with gatherings held regularly.
"We like a bit of a whinge about everything [in Australia] that's not the same as in Belgium," Ms Verhaegen said.
"Like the price of the beers, the price of the cheese and then we also whinge about the weather in Belgium because that's obviously a lot better here."
"We are quite a close-knit community."
The 2018 FIFA World Cup begins 15 June. SBS will broadcast the biggest games, including the opening match, semi-finals and final, live, free and in HD.
