![Romelu Lukaku. [Francesco Pecoraro / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / Getty Images via AFP]](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/134773522/d221fc657f81058686198ad5bff72f0ca95813e7b41ec893dc5943d33c50a1fa)
Overview
- Belgium released a 26-player World Cup list that keeps its record scorer despite scarce club minutes this year.
- Coach Rudi Garcia said the striker is recovered but out of shape and might not start, calling him the team’s best No. 9 and an important leader.
- Garcia balanced leadership with form by omitting Loïs Openda and calling up Matias Fernandez-Pardo after FIFA approved his switch to Belgium.
- Openda’s drop follows a rough spell at Juventus, with reports citing one Serie A goal in 24 games and almost no recent minutes, and Italian papers say the club has lifted a €40m purchase clause.
- Belgium is drawn in Group G and will face Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in June.