Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku is a confirmed forward in Belgium's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on 15 May 2026, named by Rudi Garcia alongside Leandro Trossard, Jérémy Doku, Dodi Lukébakio, Charles De Ketelaere, Alexis Saelemaekers, Diego Moreira and Matias Fernandez-Pardo in the forward group. The Napoli striker is 33 at kick-off and brings 124 senior Belgium caps and 89 international goals, as of 9 June 2025, into the tournament as Belgium's all-time leading scorer, making this his fourth senior World Cup after Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.

Belgium face Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in Group G, with the opener against Egypt at Lumen Field on 15 June. Garcia's side won UEFA Group J to qualify on 18 November 2025, with Lumen Field, SoFi Stadium and BC Place hosting the three group fixtures.

Lukaku is a left-footed, physically powerful striker with an eye for goal and hold-up play with his back to goal. He plays as an out-and-out striker or poacher rather than a target-man, carrying 89 international goals as Belgium's all-time leading scorer.

He is also a well-rounded forward — strong in the air, with pace, athleticism and intelligent off-the-ball movement. In Garcia's 4-3-3, his role stays at the top of the shape, finishing inside the box.

Belgium sit in Tier 2 at £24m within the game's £200m card budget — a second-tier call rather than a premium top-band slot. The Group G draw against Egypt, Iran and New Zealand frames the early fixture window, with Garcia's 4-3-3 and the UEFA Group J qualifying run setting the team-slot context.

Lukaku is the centre-forward who can pay back that £24m pick. Belgium's all-time leading scorer at 89 international goals, he leads the line with hold-up play, off-the-ball runs and finishing inside the box — the kind of direct centre-forward contribution that swings the slot when he starts.