Budapest, Hungary – Tessa Wullaert, captain of the Belgian Red Flames, etched her name into the annals of Belgian football history this past Saturday, March 7, 2026, by scoring her 100th and 101st international goals in a dominant 5-0 victory over Israel. The milestone, achieved during a crucial World Cup qualifying match played in Hungary for security reasons, solidifies Wullaert’s position as the all-time leading scorer for the Red Flames and a true icon of the sport in Belgium. This achievement isn’t just about the numbers; it’s a testament to a career built on dedication, skill, and a quiet determination that has captivated fans and inspired a new generation of footballers.
Wullaert’s journey to this historic moment has been anything but conventional. While many young footballers are actively encouraged by their families to pursue the sport, Wullaert’s path began with a surprising lack of initial support. As reported by Nieuwsblad, her parents didn’t actively push her towards football, stating, “We hebben haar niet gestimuleerd om te beginnen voetballen. Integendeel” – “We didn’t stimulate her to start playing football. On the contrary.” This seemingly unusual beginning underscores the organic nature of her passion for the game, a passion that blossomed independently and propelled her to the very top of the sport. The fact that her love for football developed without external pressure speaks volumes about her intrinsic motivation and unwavering commitment.
A Historic Achievement and a Rising Tide for Belgian Football
The match against Israel was a showcase of Wullaert’s prowess. She opened the scoring in the 10th minute, capitalizing on a high press from Luna Vanzeir, and doubled the lead just six minutes later with a stunning strike that found the top corner. According to sporza, the Red Flames continued their dominance, securing a resounding 5-0 victory. This win not only marked a significant milestone for Wullaert but also propelled the team closer to qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Red Flames had previously defeated Israel 3-0 in the first leg of the qualification series, demonstrating their consistent strength and tactical prowess. Wullaert’s hat-trick against Israel brought her total to 101 international goals, a figure that continues to rise with each appearance.
Wullaert’s accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as she is the first Belgian woman to reach the century mark in international goals. As she herself stated, as reported by HBVL, “Belangrijkste is dat ik eerste Belgische was” – “The most important thing is that I was the first Belgian.” This sentiment highlights the significance of her achievement not just for her personally, but for the broader landscape of women’s football in Belgium. Her success is breaking barriers and inspiring young girls across the country to pursue their dreams on the pitch. The Red Flames’ impressive performance and Wullaert’s record-breaking goals are generating increased interest and support for women’s football within Belgium.
From Playmaker to Prolific Goalscorer: A Career Evolution
Wullaert’s career has been marked by a remarkable evolution. Initially known more for her playmaking abilities and assisting teammates, she has transformed into a prolific goalscorer in recent years. As she explained to sporza, she was “more a provider than a goalscorer” earlier in her career. This shift in focus coincided with her return to Belgian football, where she began to prioritize her goal-scoring record. Since then, her scoring rate has been exceptional, demonstrating her adaptability and dedication to continuous improvement. Her ability to evolve her game and consistently find the back of the net is a testament to her intelligence and function ethic.
The 100th goal, a moment she described as “fantastic,” was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Wullaert was quick to acknowledge the importance of her teammates in reaching this milestone, expressing her gratitude for their support. According to HLN, the team had even discussed how to celebrate the occasion beforehand, demonstrating the strong bond and camaraderie within the squad. Her teammates’ joy for her achievement was palpable, further highlighting the positive and supportive environment within the Red Flames. Wullaert’s ability to inspire and uplift those around her is a key component of her leadership and success.
Looking Ahead: Nations League Success and World Cup Aspirations
Wullaert’s recent success extends beyond the World Cup qualifiers. She also played a pivotal role in Belgium’s recent Nations League victory, scoring a memorable long-range goal against Portugal. She identified this goal as potentially her “most beautiful” strike, showcasing her range of skills and ability to produce moments of magic on the pitch. The Nations League win provided a significant boost to the team’s confidence and momentum heading into the World Cup qualifying campaign. The Red Flames are currently demonstrating a strong level of performance, and with Wullaert leading the charge, their chances of securing a spot in the 2027 World Cup are looking increasingly promising.
The Red Flames’ dominant performance against Israel, as reported by Voetbalkrant.com, was a clear indication of their growing strength and tactical maturity. The team’s ability to control the game, create scoring opportunities, and defend effectively demonstrates their overall quality and potential. Wullaert’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess are undoubtedly key factors in their success, but the team’s collective effort and unwavering determination are equally important. The Red Flames are building a strong foundation for future success, and with continued dedication and hard work, they are poised to achieve even greater heights.
The Numbers Behind the Legend
Tessa Wullaert’s statistics speak for themselves. As of March 7, 2026, she has amassed 101 goals in 154 international appearances for Belgium. This makes her not only the all-time leading scorer for the Red Flames but also one of the most prolific goalscorers in international women’s football. She is the second most capped player for the Red Flames, trailing only Janice Cayman, who has 172 caps. Her consistent goal-scoring record and longevity in the national team are a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to the sport. Wullaert’s impact on Belgian football is undeniable, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations of players to approach.
The significance of Wullaert’s achievement extends beyond the statistics. She has become a role model for young girls across Belgium, demonstrating that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a passion for the game. Her success is helping to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for women’s football. The increased visibility and support for the Red Flames, fueled by Wullaert’s accomplishments, are creating a positive ripple effect throughout the Belgian football community.
The Red Flames will continue their World Cup qualifying campaign with upcoming matches against [future opponents to be announced by FIFA]. The team’s performance in these matches will be crucial in determining their chances of securing a spot in the 2027 tournament. Fans can stay updated on the Red Flames’ schedule and results on the official RBFA website: https://www.rbfa.be/nl/nieuws. The journey to the World Cup is far from over, but with Tessa Wullaert leading the way, the Red Flames are well-positioned to achieve their goals.
What are your thoughts on Tessa Wullaert’s incredible achievement? Share your comments below and let us know what inspires you most about her journey. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family to spread the word about this remarkable athlete and the growing success of women’s football in Belgium!