World Cup boost for Belgium as striker U-turns on decision to represent Spain | OneFootball

Belgium have been handed a huge boost ahead of the World Cup with the news that Matias Fernandez-Pardo will represent the Red Devils instead of Spain. The Lille striker decided a few years ago to represent Spain instead of Belgium, but has since been convinced to change his mind. Now, it appears that Fernandez-Pardo will be part of the Red Devils squad going to the World Cup.

The now 21-year-old came through the Gent academy and made his senior debut as a teenager in 2023. He went on to play 28 games for the Buffaloes, scoring 10 goals. His strong 2023/2024 season, in which he scored eight goals and provided two assists in 19 games, attracted Ligue 1 side Lille. The French side picked him up and he scored four goals in his debut season.

In recent months, Fernandez-Pardo has been in fantastic form for Lille. He has scored eight goals and provided six assists in 40 games this season, with five of those coming since March. For Belgium, it is a major boost to have an inform striker going into the World Cup, especially with the injury concerns surrounding the sides record goal scorer Romelu Lukaku. Belgium have struggled without Lukaku in previous tournaments, and with the striker into his 30s, it is time for the Red Devils to find a successor. Perhaps, Fernandez-Pardo could be that player.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson