Belgium World Cup squad: Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Romelu Lukaku in, Loïs Openda left out | OneFootball

Rudi Garcia has named 26 players for Belgium’s World Cup squad, selecting LOSC striker Matias Fernandez-Pardo and including Romelu Lukaku, with Loïs Openda omitted.

L'Équipe reports that Garcia unveiled his 26 in Tubize. Belgium will head to the United States to open Group G against Egypt on 15 June, with New Zealand and Iran also in the pool.

Fernandez-Pardo, 21, is included subject to administrative clearance after playing for Belgium to under-19 level, then choosing Spain before switching back this week. His pace and runs in behind could complement Charles de Ketelaere, who should lead the line.

Lukaku, 33, is picked for his influence and 89 goals in 129 caps as he continues his reconditioning. He has not played since six March at Cagliari, but unlike Qatar 2022 he will not arrive injured and could be an impact substitute.

Loïs Openda misses out after limited club minutes and unconvincing recent outings. Diego Moreira is named alongside Dodi Lukebakio, Jérémy Doku, Leandro Trossard and Alexis Saelemaekers, with Lucas Stassin, Malick Fofana, Hugo Kuypers and Romeo Vermant left out. Zeno Debast is selected despite a quadriceps tear, with the defence also featuring Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Arthur Theate and regulars including Koni De Winter and Timothy Castagne. Kevin De Bruyne leads a midfield with Amadou Onana, Axel Witsel, Nicolas Raskin, Hans Vanaken and Youri Tielemans, while Orel Mangala is omitted. The goalkeepers are Thibaut Courtois, Senne Lammens and Mike Penders, who edges Matz Sels and Maarten Vandevoordt.

Source: L'Équipe