Belgium named Romelu Lukaku in its 26-man World Cup squad this week, even though coach Rudi Garcia said the striker is out of shape and may not be ready to start when the tournament begins. The Napoli forward, Belgium's all-time leading scorer, has been in Belgium for the past two months recovering from a hamstring injury.
Lukaku has scored one goal this season and has not played since 6 March. Garcia said Belgium have five weeks to get him back to full fitness, adding that the 21-year-old forward is their best striker and the country's record scorer. Belgium could still ask him to lead the line at his fourth successive World Cup, if his body catches up with his reputation.
The selection keeps faith with a player whose international record still gives Belgium a central point of reference. Lukaku's last appearance for the national team came against Wales last June, and he remains one of the most experienced attackers in the group, with 89 goals in 124 caps. His club minutes have been limited too, with seven substitute appearances totaling 69 minutes in 2025-26.
Belgium's decision also showed where the cover sits. Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo was included instead of Lois Openda, while Sporting defender Zeno Debast was named despite an injury in training. Fernandez-Pardo was born in Brussels to Italian and Spanish parents, played for Belgium at junior level and switched his allegiance to Spain in 2025 without making an appearance for them.
The rest of Belgium's squad carries the feel of one more run for a familiar core. Thibaut Courtois, Kevin de Bruyne and Axel Witsel could all also feature in a fourth successive World Cup. Belgium will face Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in Group G, with its games in the United States and Canada. For a side built around veterans, the next five weeks are now less about selection than whether Lukaku can turn a place in the squad into a place on the field. That question will shape Belgium's World Cup fixtures as much as any opponent.
For readers following the wider tournament picture, related coverage on England World Cup Fixtures: New Jersey Cuts Train Fare After FIFA Row can be found at
