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

There's something about Belgium at the moment. We can all sense 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 quite a week. While the rest of us have been enjoying the late summer, things have been happening behind those thick palace walls that would make even the most dedicated sports fan do a double-take. It's not every day we'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. You'd almost think it was the plot of a new drama series.

Royal drama through Belgian glasses

Let's start from the beginning. Right now, one thing is stirring things up: the ties between the Norwegian Royal Family and Belgium. We all remember when Mette-Marit had to pull out. "Don't come," was the message that rang out. It's moments like these that remind you that even royals have days when the calendar needs 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 last detail, a very different kind of high-stakes game was playing out behind the scenes. It goes without saying that these are stories that go far beyond what we're usually served on such occasions. 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 drama, where secrets and power play the leading roles.

The sports fever that unites us

But while royal puzzles were being pieced together, the rest of us have had our heads filled with something else entirely: the ball. Because 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 back 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 while, 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 good 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 good tip. I've noticed that TUI Belgium has come up in a lot of conversations lately. It's no surprise. With that mix of historic cities like Bruges, the cosmopolitan vibe of Brussels, and the lovely coastal towns, the perfect autumn getaway is waiting.

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

Rugby, travel and rumours

Speaking of that last point: the Belgium men's national rugby union team is probably the best-kept secret most people haven't cottoned on to. While we've been glued to our screens following royal updates, these guys have been smashing it on the pitch. There's a grit and team spirit that reminds me of what we value so highly in Norwegian sport. They're the underdogs, they're tough, and they deserve a bigger place in the headlines.

So as we look back on this period, it's hard to avoid drawing a common thread. Everything from the grand gala dinner at the Palace, via the unknown daughter's court case against the King, to Mette-Marit's absence – all of this has happened while we've had our eyes firmly fixed 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 allure of holiday travel.

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