Is it just us that thinks he may have been promised a place in the squad before recently pledging his allegiance to the country of his birth? No? Ok then, carry on.
The Manchester United youngster was, of course, courted by a number of countries including Kosovo, Turkey, Serbia, Albania and even England before putting the issue to bed when declaring his intention to play for Belgium last month.
Fast forward a few weeks and the incredibly talented 19-year old has been included in Marc Wilmots’ 24-man squad for the World Cup, with Wilmot naming an extra goalkeeper, Silvio Proto, while Koen Casteels battles to regain his fitness before the start of the tournament.
Januzaj will be joined in the squad by beleaguered United team-mate Marouane Fellaini, who will be looking to put a torrid first season at the Red Devils behind him, while familiar faces from the Premier League such as Simon Mignolet, Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin Mirallas and Eden Hazard also feature.
With the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Axel Witsel and former Chelsea midfielder Kevin De Brunye also in their ranks, the Belgians have been tipped to make a significant impact on the tournament but so many people have tipped them as their dark horses that they can’t really be called dark horses at this stage, can they?
Provisional Belgium World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels/ Silvio Proto
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Anthony Vanden Borre, Laurent Ciman, Vincent Kompany, Daniel Van Buyten, Thomas Vermaelen, Nicolas Lombaerts, Jan Vertonghen
Midfielders: Axel Witsel, Steven Defour, Marouane Fellaini, Mousa Dembélé, Nacer Chadli, Kevin De Bruyne, Adnan Januazaj
Attackers: Romelu Lukaku, Divock Origi, Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, Kevin Mirallas
