Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku makes Belgium’s World Cup squad after recovering from injury, while Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois prepare for their fourth FIFA World Cup campaigns.
Romelu Lukaku has earned a place in Belgium’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after battling through a difficult spell of injuries, with coach Rudi Garcia naming an experienced group for the tournament.
Lukaku’s inclusion comes as a major boost for Belgium after the striker missed several international matches over the past year because of recurring fitness concerns. The 33-year-old Napoli forward last played for Belgium in June during a World Cup qualifier against Wales.
Despite his injury troubles, Lukaku remains one of Belgium’s most important players, having scored heavily for the national side throughout his career. He has already represented Belgium in 124 international matches and is now set for his fourth FIFA World Cup appearance.
Belgium’s Golden Generation Still Leading The Squad
Alongside Lukaku, midfield star Kevin De Bruyne and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois have also been selected for their fourth World Cup tournaments.
The trio continues to form the backbone of Belgium’s experienced core, with all three players crossing the 100-match mark for the national team.
De Bruyne has made 117 appearances for Belgium, while Courtois has played 107 matches for the Red Devils. Veteran midfielder Axel Witsel remains Belgium’s most experienced player in the squad with 136 international caps.
Lukaku’s road back to the squad has not been easy. Injuries restricted him to just five Serie A appearances for Napoli this season.
Although he was initially selected for Belgium’s friendly matches earlier this year, he later withdrew because of additional fitness concerns.
Courtois Returns After Injury Concerns
Courtois also returns to the national setup after dealing with injury issues that kept him out of Belgium’s recent matches. His last appearance for Belgium came in October.
However, the goalkeeper has remained a key figure for Real Madrid this season, convincing the coaching staff that he is ready for another major international tournament.
Belgium’s attacking options also feature Premier League stars including Leandro Trossard of Arsenal and winger Jeremy Doku from Manchester City.
Young Midfielder Nathan De Cat Misses Out
One notable omission from the squad is 17-year-old midfielder Nathan de Cat, who recently made headlines after debuting for Belgium in a 5-2 win over the United States in March.
Had he been selected, De Cat would have become one of the youngest players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Forward Lois Openda also failed to make the squad after struggling for regular opportunities at Juventus in recent months.
Belgium’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Fixtures
Belgium will begin its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in Group G against Egypt on June 15.
The Red Devils will then face Iran on June 21 before concluding the group stage against New Zealand on June 27.
Belgium reached the semi-finals and finished third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup but suffered a disappointing group-stage exit during the 2022 edition.
Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad
Goalkeepers:
Thibaut Courtois, Senne Lammens, Mike Penders
Defenders:
Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Maxim de Cuyper, Koni de Winter, Brandon Mechele, Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Joaquin Seys, Arthur Theate
Midfielders:
Kevin De Bruyne, Amadou Onana, Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken, Axel Witsel
Forwards:
Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Romelu Lukaku, Dodi Lukebakio, Diego Moreira, Alexis Saelemaekers, Leandro Trossard