Leandro Trossard has declared himself ready to play a defining role for Belgium at the World Cup, arriving at the national team camp fresh from a Premier League title triumph with Arsenal and carrying the conviction that his best form can translate directly onto the international stage.
World Cup ambitions take centre stage
“I really can’t wait to get started,” the 30-year-old said on Friday, a day after belatedly linking up with his Belgium teammates following last Saturday’s Champions League final. Having missed the early part of the squad’s preparations, Trossard has had only a fleeting taste of the group’s work so far. “I’ve only been able to take part in one training session, so not much has stood out to me yet,” he explained. “But I can see that everyone is focused and ready to begin the World Cup.” He noted that the entire squad is “full of enthusiasm” as Belgium’s campaign gets under way, with a friendly against Tunisia in Brussels scheduled for Saturday before the team departs on Monday for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Belgium will begin their Group G challenge in Seattle on 15 June against Egypt.
Form and title experience fuel confidence
When asked whether he is in the best form of his career, Trossard was measured but unequivocal. “That’s always difficult to answer. But I’m certainly in very good form, and I hope to carry that into the World Cup.” His personal momentum stems from a stellar season with Arsenal, who secured the Premier League title. Trossard believes that winning silverware at club level can only benefit the national team. “It’s very good when players arrive here having won titles, but that doesn’t change your status. Not mine either,” he said. “But I will try to bring that experience into the national team.”
He acknowledged the contrasting emotions of the campaign’s climax: the elation of the title win and the disappointment of the Champions League final, in which he was an unused substitute. “We’ve had a very good season with Arsenal. Of course, it’s disappointing how the Champions League ended. Penalty shootouts are a lottery, and it was stressful to experience it from the sidelines,” Trossard reflected. “But we’ve still had a fantastic season and we’re very proud of winning the English title. The title celebrations and the parade were fantastic. We were able to celebrate properly with the squad.”
The forward is now focused on replicating that trophy-winning mindset in a Belgium shirt. His ability to translate his Premier League success to the international arena will be crucial for a team that has long been tipped as contenders but has yet to deliver on the biggest stage. Trossard’s versatility and eye for goal – honed in England’s top flight – make him a valuable asset for head coach Domenico Tedesco as Belgium aim to navigate Group G and mount a deep run.
Club future remains uncertain
Despite the optimism surrounding his international prospects, Trossard refused to be drawn on where he will be playing his club football next season. “At the moment I am still an Arsenal player. We’ll see what happens in the summer,” he said, offering nothing further on speculation about his future. The uncertainty does not appear to have affected his focus on the World Cup, however, as he prepares to lead Belgium’s attack in a tournament that could define his legacy.
