“Out of Shape” Lukaku Named in Belgium World Cup Squad as Golden Generation Fades | OneFootball

Romelu Lukaku has been named in Belgium’s 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 despite manager Rudi Garcia openly acknowledging that the 33-year-old Napoli striker is “out of shape.” 

The selection marks a symbolic moment for Belgian football – a final attempt by an aging Golden Generation to win the trophy that has eluded them throughout their reign at, or near, the pinnacle world football.

Belgium held top spot in the FIFA World Rankings’ for four consecutive years from 2018 to 2022 and are still in the top ten.

Lukaku’s Fitness Crisis Raises Questions

Lukaku’s inclusion comes with significant concerns. Limited to just seven substitute appearances in the 2025-26 season, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer has been recovering from a hamstring injury for the past two months. 

Garcia admitted doubts remain regarding the striker’s fitness, saying: “Romelu has recovered, but he’s out of shape, and I’m not sure he’ll be able to start the matches. But he’s our best striker, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer.” The manager hopes to use five weeks before the tournament to gradually restore the striker to full fitness.

Lukaku hasn’t played for Belgium since June, when he scored against Wales in World Cup qualifying. His selection underscores the desperation of a generation running out of time. 

He will make his fourth successive World Cup appearance alongside Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfield legend Kevin de Bruyne, who are also competing in their fourth tournaments. 

Defensive midfielder Axel Witsel, at 37 years old, joins them as another fourth-time World Cup competitor.

Image: @BelRedDevils / x

End of an era

The veteran quartet represent the core of Belgium’s once-dominant squad. That elite generation, which also featured Eden Hazard and Vincent Kompany, reached No.1 in the World Rankings but never managed to win a major trophy. 

Now, with Lukaku struggling with fitness, Courtois injured and sidelined from international duty since October, and the others approaching the end of their careers, it’s clear this era is coming to a close.

However, the four players do bring a remarkable amount of experience. Witsel boasts 136 caps for Belgium, while Courtois has 107 appearances and de Bruyne 117. Lukaku has earned 124 international caps.

Beyond the veteran core, Belgium’s squad includes a number of younger talents attempting to carry the torch. Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku and Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard bring Premier League experience in attack, while Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans adds quality in midfield.

World Cup Prospects: Can Belgium Surprise?

Belgium finished third at the 2018 World Cup but suffered a disappointing group-stage exit in 2022. Facing Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand in Group G, Garcia will hope his squad can at least progress to the knockout stages of World Cup 2026. Winning the tournament would be a major surprise.

Belgium begins their campaign on June 15, against Egypt in Seattle, when the remnants of an aging Golden Generation commence their final bow and a new generation attempts to make its mark.

Belgium squad for 2026 World Cup:

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Strasbourg)

Defenders: Timothy Castagne (Fulham) Zeno Debast (Sporting CP), Maxim de Cupyer (Brighton), Koni de Winter (AC Milan), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Nathan Ngoy (Lille), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Arthur Theate (Frankfurt) 

Midfielders: Kevin de Bruyne (Napoli), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Axel Witsel (Girona)

Forwards: Charles de Ketelaere (Atalanta), Jérémy Doku (Manchester City), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille), Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica), Diego Moreira (Strasbourg), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)

Deadline for all World Cup 2026 squads

All competing nations have until June 2 to finalize their World Cup rosters. However, teams are permitted to call up injury replacements from their provisional lists right up until their opening fixture.

The expanded 104-match tournament takes place in the USA, Mexico and Canada. It kicks off on June 11 when co-hosts Mexico takes on South Africa, culminating in the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19.