Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin has taken centre stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a truly masterful performance to guide Belgium into a blockbuster quarter-final clash against Spain.
The 25-year-old was handed a starting berth by national team boss Rudi Garcia for the Red Devils‘ emphatic 4-1 demolition of the USMNT.
Operating with his signature bite and technical composure, the Ibrox star completely ran the show in the middle of the park, laying on a brilliant assist for Charles De Ketelaere’s crucial ninth-minute opening goal.
Unsurprisingly, the Belgian media have fallen over themselves to praise the Rangers standout this morning. Here is a comprehensive round-up of how the press reacted to Raskin’s world-class display.
Nico Raskin is making a name for himself on the international stage! 😍
If he is to leave Rangers, how much should he be sold for?
Nicolas Raskin makes Rangers proud at World Cup
RTBF: ‘A true tightrope walker’
Broadcaster RTBF were completely captivated by the defensive midfielder’s high-wire act in the engine room, branding him “absolutely irresistible”.
- The verdict: “A ball-winner with excellent distribution skills, the former Standard Liege player possesses another valuable quality in his position: playing on the edge of a yellow card for long periods without ever receiving one. A true tightrope walker in this regard.
- “With Amadou Onana’s unfortunate injury and Kevin De Bruyne’s apparent lack of freshness, it’s hard to imagine Raskin on the bench to start the match against Spain.”
L’Avenir: Rating 8.5/10
Belgian newspaper L’Avenir handed Raskin the highest mark on the night, heavily highlighting his immense role in changing the momentum of the game early on, and described him as the “Rangers pitbull”.
- The verdict: “He was 90 per cent responsible for the opening goal, thanks to his excellent recovery followed by a perfect cross. We saw the best version of the Rangers pitbull.”
Le Soir: Rating 8/10
Praising his raw, endless hunger and intelligence out of possession, Le Soir noted that the midfielder completely justified his inclusion in Garcia’s starting lineup.
- The verdict: “He was expected to be in the starting eleven, and he didn’t disappoint. Playing like a ‘puppy’, he won back a lot of balls. And most importantly, during a counter-press, he provided the assist for De Ketelaere’s opening goal.”
Walfoot: Rating 8/10
Walfoot focused on how the Rangers star seamlessly assumed the mantle of senior midfield leader once injury struck his central partner.
- The verdict: “What a commanding performance from Nicolas, who completely took over the American midfield and assumed full responsibility for the defensive aspects of the game once Onana was substituted.
- “He also provided a superb assist, showing great determination.”
Nicolas Raskin has been linked with a Rangers exit…
Raskin in line to start for Belgium v Spain
7sur7: Rating 7/10
7sur7 praised his sheer intensity, highlighting how his intelligence completely locked the American defensive unit out of the play.
- The verdict: “His aggression paid off with a goal. For the opening goal, he outmanoeuvred the entire American defence before delivering a perfect assist to De Ketelaere.
- “Rudi Garcia placed his trust in him, and the Rangers midfielder repaid that trust (very) well.”
Sporza & Nieuwsblad
Rounding out the praise, Sporza marvelled at the spectacular technical skill shown by the midfielder to set up the opener, calling it a “dream start for the Belgians” triggered by a “magnificent move”.
Meanwhile, Nieuwsblad valued his tactical intelligence, stating that he “laid the foundation for the 0-1 with an excellent infiltration” while providing vital structural “balance” to the entire side.
