Belgium named Romelu Lukaku to its 2026 [1] FIFA World Cup squad on Friday, despite concerns regarding the striker's current fitness level.
The selection of the veteran forward is critical for the national team's offensive strategy. While Lukaku has struggled with consistency and health, his experience in major tournaments remains a primary asset for the Belgian side.
Manager Rudi Garcia said Lukaku was "out of shape" [2], but the coach still considers the player essential for the upcoming tournament [3]. This assessment comes as the team prepares for the global competition, highlighting a gamble on the player's ability to reach peak performance in a short window.
Lukaku is heading to his fourth [4] World Cup campaign. His inclusion follows a period of instability and physical setbacks, though reports indicate that efforts to recover from injuries seem to have paid off [5].
The decision to include Lukaku suggests that Garcia values the striker's proven track record over the current form of younger alternatives. The manager's willingness to be open about the player's condition underscores the urgency of securing a reliable goal-scorer for the squad.
Belgium's roster announcement on May 15, 2026 [6], marks the final step in the team's preparation phase. The squad will now focus on integrating the striker back into the tactical system before the tournament begins.
“"out of shape"”
The inclusion of a player described by his own manager as unfit suggests a lack of depth or confidence in Belgium's alternative striking options. By prioritizing Lukaku's experience over current physical readiness, Rudi Garcia is betting that the player's historical performance in World Cups outweighs the risks associated with his current condition.
