BRUSSELS — Belgium has doubled down on its faith in striker Romelu Lukaku, naming him in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite a season of diminished minutes at Serie A club Napoli. The move signals the national team’s unwavering belief in Lukaku’s World Cup pedigree, even as his club football has come under scrutiny.
Lukaku, 30, arrives at the squad announcement with just 12 league appearances for Napoli this season, a sharp decline from his previous campaigns. While Napoli continues to prioritize defensive solidity under Calzona, the exclusion has raised questions about Lukaku’s fitness and match sharpness ahead of the tournament.
Key Factors
- ✅ Lukaku’s World Cup experience: 2 goals in 6 games at Qatar 2022
- ⚡ Napoli’s tactical shift: Calzona favors pressing forwards over traditional strikers
- 💡 Belgium’s depth: Manager Marc Brys has options up front, including Dodi Lukebakio and Lois Openda
Belgium manager Marc Brys defended the inclusion, stating, "Romelu has been a key part of our plans for the World Cup cycle. His experience and leadership are invaluable, and we trust he will deliver when it matters most."
| Player | Club Appearances (2023-24) | World Cup Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Romelu Lukaku | 12 | 2 |
| Lois Openda | 35 | 0 |
| Dodi Lukebakio | 28 | 0 |
The 26-man squad, announced on Tuesday, includes 12 players from the domestic league, a reflection of Belgium’s evolving talent pool. Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, returning from injury, headlines a midfield reshuffle that sees younger players like Johan Bakayoko and Charles De Ketelaere given extended roles.
💡 Pro Tip
Belgium’s depth at striker means Brys can afford to gamble on Lukaku’s potential impact off the bench, a tactic that paid dividends for teams like France at Euro 2020.
Among the surprises was the exclusion of veteran defender Toby Alderweireld, who had been a fixture in past squads. Brys cited a need to refresh the defense as the primary reason, though Alderweireld’s club form at Royal Antwerp was also a factor. Goalkeeper Koen Casteels, returning from a long-term injury, was included as the third-choice custodian behind Thibaut Courtois and Bart Verbruggen.
📋 By The Numbers
- 26 — Size of Belgium’s World Cup squad, reduced from 28 in past tournaments
- 3 — Number of Napoli players included in the squad
- 4 — Nations Belgium has been drawn against in pre-World Cup friendlies
The squad will reconvene on June 2 in Tubize for a week-long training camp before flying to the U.S. for pre-tournament friendlies against Sweden and Portugal. Lukaku’s inclusion is expected to draw global attention, given his status as one of Belgium’s most recognizable players and his pivotal role in past tournaments.
Brys emphasized that the squad selection was based on form, fitness, and tactical fit, not sentimentality. "We are building a team that can compete at the highest level," he said. "Romelu’s inclusion is a reflection of that vision."