Belgium: From Football Fever to Royal Connections – Why All of Norway Is Talking About Belgium Right Now

There's something about Belgium these days. We all feel it. Whether it’s the Belgium men's national football team knocking on the door of the international elite, or the incredible stories linking the Low Countries with our own royal family. Suddenly, Belgium is everywhere, and I have to admit—I'm completely hooked.

It's been an intense week. While the rest of us were enjoying the last days of summer, things were unfolding behind those thick palace walls that would make even the most die-hard sports fan do a double-take. It's not every day you're served a cocktail of royal drama, an unknown daughter taking the King to court, and a grand gala dinner—all while trying to keep up with the Belgium women's national football team's results. It almost feels like the plot of a new drama series.

Royal drama through Belgian lenses

Let's start from the top. Right now, one thing is stirring the pot: the relationship between the Norwegian royal family and Belgium. We all remember when Mette-Marit had to cancel. "Don't come," was the message that echoed. It's in moments like these you realize that even royals have days when their calendars need rewriting. But then came the news that really got people talking. An unknown daughter took the King to court—yes, you read that right. While the gala dinner at the Palace was being prepared down to the finest detail, a very different kind of high-stakes drama was unfolding behind the scenes. It goes without saying that these are stories that go far beyond what we usually get in such contexts. It's personal, it's raw, and it reminds us that behind the titles and ceremonies, there are real people. You'd almost think we were in a Belgian crime series where secrets and power take centre stage.

The sports fever bringing us together

But while royal puzzles were being pieced together, the rest of us have had our heads full of something else entirely: the game. Right now, it's impossible to avoid talking about the Belgium men's national football team. The Red Devils have long been a team to measure yourself against, and interest here at home has skyrocketed. It's no longer just the big football nations that matter. We've woken up to their technical class and the almost absurd depth in their squad.

At the same time, it's almost a shame we haven't talked more about the Belgium women's national football team until now. They've been in the shadow of the men for a long time, but I know several people who have started following them just as closely. It's an exciting time for Belgian football, and it's rubbing off on those of us who just love watching great football, regardless of gender.

For those who need a break from the football fever but still want to stay within Belgian borders, I have a great tip. I've noticed that TUI Belgium has come up in many conversations lately. It's no surprise. With that mix of historic cities like Bruges, the cosmopolitan vibe of Brussels, and the beautiful coastal towns, it's a perfect fall getaway waiting to happen.

• Football: Both the men's and women's national teams are in a golden period.
• Travel: TUI Belgium reports huge interest in autumn trips to the coast.
• The surprise: Did you know the Belgium men's national rugby union team is also fighting for attention? They might not be as famous as the football heroes, but these guys don't give up easily.

Rugby, travel and rumours

Speaking of the last point: the Belgium men's national rugby union team is probably the best-kept secret most people haven't caught onto yet. While we've been glued to our screens for royal updates, these guys have been charging hard on the pitch. There's a raw grit and team spirit that reminds me of what we value so highly in Norwegian sports. They're the underdogs, they're tough, and they deserve more space in the headlines.

So as we look back on this period, it's hard not to see a common thread. Everything from the grand gala dinner at the Palace, to the unknown daughter's court case against the King, to Mette-Marit's absence—all of this has happened while we've kept a close eye on Belgium. It's as if the world has somehow become smaller. The everyday drama at home mirrors the excitement on the football pitch and the appeal of a getaway.

I don't think it's a coincidence that Belgium has become the focal point. It's a country that in many ways reminds us of ourselves: skilled in sports, rich in history, and with a knack for showing up in the most unexpected contexts—whether on a rugby pitch or in a royal courtroom. So whether you're following along for the football, the travel inspiration, or just out of pure curiosity, I recommend keeping an extra eye on Belgium going forward. There's bound to be more in store.