Belgium included striker Romelu Lukaku in its 2026 FIFA World Cup squad on Friday, May 15 [1].
The decision comes despite significant concerns regarding the player's fitness and a lack of consistent playing time during the current club season. His inclusion suggests the Belgian coaching staff is prioritizing proven experience over current match sharpness as the tournament approaches.
Lukaku has struggled with injuries while playing for Napoli in Italy. According to reports, he made only seven substitute appearances for the club this season [1]. This limited activity has led to questions about his ability to maintain the physical intensity required for a World Cup.
Coach Rudi Garcia addressed these concerns during the announcement in Brussels. Garcia said Lukaku is "out of shape" but remains a vital part of the national team's strategy [3]. He said the player is Belgium's all-time leading scorer and described him as the team's best striker [3].
This selection marks the fourth World Cup squad appearance for Lukaku [2]. He joins veteran teammates, including Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, as Belgium prepares for the global competition [1].
While the national team has officially named him to the roster, some reports indicate his participation remains uncertain. Conflicting accounts suggest a recent ankle injury could potentially jeopardize his availability for the tournament [4]. However, Garcia said the player's recovery efforts were deemed sufficient for the squad selection.
“"He's our best striker, Belgium's all-time leading scorer."”
The inclusion of Lukaku reflects a strategic gamble by Rudi Garcia to rely on a proven goal-scorer despite a clear lack of match fitness. By selecting a player who has spent the season largely on the bench or sidelined, Belgium is betting that Lukaku's historical performance and status as the team's top scorer outweigh the risks of injury recurrence or poor conditioning.
