Belgium’s all-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku has admitted he never expected to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an injury-ravaged club season, describing his presence at the tournament as a personal triumph.
The 33-year-old endured a nightmare campaign with Napoli, managing just over an hour of football because of recurring fitness problems. However, he has already nearly doubled that playing time for Belgium in North America, helping the Red Devils top Group G and book a Round of 32 meeting with Senegal.
Rather than reflecting on the frustrations that threatened to end his World Cup hopes, Lukaku says he is simply grateful to be contributing when many believed he would miss the tournament altogether.
“I’m just happy to be here because, if you look at my season and how it went, normally I should never have been at the World Cup.
“So for me, being here, playing, helping my team, making a difference, being decisive in a match — it’s great. So yeah, like they say in English, go with the flow.”
Super-sub making the difference
Although still building back to full fitness, Lukaku has wasted little time making his presence felt whenever Belgium boss Rudi Garcia has turned to him from the bench.
His first appearance came against Egypt, with Belgium trailing and struggling to create chances. Moments after his introduction, his relentless pressure forced an own goal that changed the complexion of the game.
He then started Belgium’s goalless draw against Iran before returning to the bench for the decisive group clash with New Zealand. Once again, Lukaku delivered almost immediately, scoring after coming on to help Belgium reclaim top spot in the group.
His tally of one goal and one assist in just 121 minutes underlines the impact he continues to have despite his limited role.
Lukaku revealed that watching games unfold from the sidelines has helped him identify weaknesses to exploit when introduced.
“I have plenty of time to analyse where the spaces are and then I just try to be able to slip in or do a bit more.
“I think that when you look at it as a substitute, you really have to pay attention together with the other players sitting with you on the bench.”
Veteran chasing unfinished business
One of the few remaining members of Belgium’s celebrated golden generation, Lukaku hopes his experience can help guide the Red Devils through the knockout stages after years of falling just short on the biggest stage.
Belgium’s next challenge comes against Senegal, and Lukaku expects one of their toughest tests yet.
He warned his teammates not to underestimate the African side, describing them as a balanced team capable of hurting opponents in every area of the pitch.
“Technically they are very good, tactically they are very strong, physically they can make the difference, so for us it will be a big challenge intensity-wise.
“I said in the dressing room it will be 50-50, so let’s see what the game brings.”
Every minute matters
While Lukaku is no longer an automatic starter, he has shown he remains one of Belgium’s most decisive weapons.
Whether leading the attack from the opening whistle or changing matches from the bench, the experienced striker continues to prove that his instincts, leadership and physical presence can still make the difference.
For a player who thought his World Cup dream was over before it even began, every appearance now feels like a bonus and another opportunity to help Belgium pursue the major international trophy that has long eluded its golden generation.
