Belgium Names Injured Lukaku to World Cup Squad Despite Limited Playing Time

Romelu Lukaku is Belgium’s all‑time leading scorer with 89 goals in 124 internationals. He turned 33 this week and has spent the last two months in Belgium rehabilitating a hamstring injury. At club level, Lukaku has not started any match for Napoli this season, appearing seven times as a substitute and scoring once against Verona in February. Belgium reached the semi‑finals in 2018 and finished third in 2022. The team aims to build on that success with a blend of experienced players and emerging talent.

- Lukaku has logged only one hour of competitive football in the 2024‑25 season. - He has made seven substitute appearances for Napoli, scoring a goal versus Verona. - The squad selection means Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel will each play in their fourth straight World Cup.

Coach Rudi Garcia is betting on Lukaku’s experience and goal‑scoring record to provide a veteran option in Belgium’s attack, even with limited recent match fitness. The decision signals confidence in the player’s ability to recover quickly and contribute in the tournament’s group stage, where Belgium faces Egypt, Iran and New Zealand. Observers will watch whether Lukaku can regain match sharpness in training camps and if his limited playing time affects his impact on the field. Garcia also called up young forward Matias Fernandez‑Pardo to provide depth behind Lukaku. The 21‑year‑old has impressed at Lille and earned his first senior call‑up after switching his international allegiance to Belgium.

The next step is Lukaku’s participation in Belgium’s pre‑World Cup friendlies, which will test his fitness and determine his starting role for the opening match against Egypt.