FLASHBACK At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, Belgium achieved one of its best results ever, ultimately finishing in fourth place. Several Anderlecht players played a crucial role in this success. For example, on June 15, 1986, Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to a 4-3 victory over the Soviet Union.
Scifo and Demol (both Anderlecht players) scored for Belgium, as did Ceulemans and Claesen. Belanov scored all three goals for the Soviet team.
Earlier in the tournament, Enzo Scifo had already scored the opening goal in the group stage match against Iraq, which Belgium won 2-1. The group stage itself was not very successful. Belgium lost to Mexico and drew their third match, which meant they only advanced to the next round as the best third-placed team. However, they managed to eliminate the theoretically stronger Soviet Union.
The fairy tale became even more magical for Belgium when they also defeated Spain in the round of 16. Ceulemans put Belgium ahead midway through the first half, but Spain equalized just before the end of regular time. In the penalty shootout, Scifo scored again. The Belgians converted every penalty, while Spain's Eloy missed his. In the semifinals, Argentina, led by Maradona, decisively defeated Belgium. Argentina would go on to become world champions. Belgium lost the third-place playoff to France after extra time.
Anderlecht supplied no fewer than seven players to the Red Devils at that World Cup: Vercauteren, Vandereycken, Scifo, Vandenbergh, Munaron, Grün, and the now deceased Demol. Vercauteren (1), Scifo (2), Demol (1), and Vandenbergh (1) all found the back of the net during the tournament.
Source: © Internal source
In a flashback article, we look back in time at an important event for the club or a former player.
Reading tip: Friday, 5 June 2026, 22:36 - U17 Euros: Onia Seke and Benktib send Belgium into the final
