The Royal Belgian Football Association named striker Romelu Lukaku to the national team's 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday [5, 6].
Lukaku's inclusion is significant because the Napoli FC striker has struggled with fitness and injuries throughout the current season. His selection suggests the Belgian coaching staff views his experience and goal-scoring ability as indispensable, even if he is not at peak match fitness.
This marks the fourth time Lukaku has been selected for a World Cup squad [1, 4]. His presence in the lineup comes despite a lack of competitive rhythm; reports indicate he has played approximately one hour of competitive football this season [6].
Lukaku faced a fitness battle leading up to the announcement, but officials said he was fit enough to merit a place on the plane [2, 3]. The decision to include him comes as Belgium finalizes its preparations for the tournament, with the squad consisting of 26 players [5].
Lukaku will join other key veterans, including Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne, as Belgium looks to make a deep run in the tournament [3]. The striker's ability to lead the line has historically been a cornerstone of the Belgian attack, though his recent struggles at the club level with Napoli have raised questions about his current form [3, 6].
Despite the limited minutes played this year, the Belgian federation said it prioritized the striker's proven international track record over his recent lack of activity [2].
“This marks the fourth time Lukaku has been selected for a World Cup squad.”
The selection of a striker with nearly zero competitive minutes in the current season indicates a high-risk, high-reward strategy by Belgium. By prioritizing Lukaku's historical performance over current match fitness, the team is betting that his individual quality can outweigh the lack of rhythm, while potentially leaving a spot open that could have gone to a more active, younger player.
