Belgium's head coach Rudi Garcia has announced his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking a considerable risk by selecting star striker Romelu Lukaku. The nation's all-time leading scorer, with 89 goals in 124 appearances, has managed merely one hour of competitive football this season owing to a persistent hamstring injury.
Lukaku's Injury Struggles
The 33-year-old forward has spent the last two months undergoing rehabilitation and has only featured as a substitute on seven occasions for Napoli this campaign, scoring once back in February. Despite his lack of match fitness, Garcia has opted to include him in the squad heading to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Young Talent Called Up
Garcia has also handed a call-up to promising 21-year-old attacker Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who plies his trade at Lille. The youngster has previously represented Belgium at youth levels and recently committed his international future to the Red Devils after turning down an approach from the Spanish under-20 side.
Courtois Returns, Debast Doubt
There is positive news with the return of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from injury, providing a significant boost to the squad. However, fresh fitness concerns have emerged over Sporting Lisbon defender Zeno Debast, who sustained an injury during training.
Veterans Aim for Fourth World Cup
Courtois, Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Axel Witsel are all poised to make their fourth successive World Cup appearance. Belgium have been drawn in Group G, where they will face Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand in the opening stage of the competition.
The squad selection underscores Garcia's willingness to gamble on experienced but injury-prone players as Belgium aim to improve on their semi-final finish at the 2018 tournament and their quarter-final exit in 2022.
