‘Out of shape’ Lukaku in Belgium World Cup squadImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Romelu Lukaku has scored one goal this season and not played since 6 MarchByBen CollinsBBC Sport journalistPublished15 May 2026, 13:55 BSTUpdated 12 minutes agoRomelu Lukaku has been named in Belgium’s World Cup squad, despite manager Rudi Garcia saying he is “out of shape”.The Napoli striker, who turned 33 on Wednesday, has made just seven substitute appearances totalling 69 minutes in 2025-26 and been in Belgium for the past two months recovering from a hamstring injury.
Lukaku is Belgium’s all-time leading scorer with 89 goals from 124 caps, with his most recent international appearance coming against Wales last June.
“Romelu has recovered, but he’s out of shape, and I’m not sure he’ll be able to start the matches. But he’s our best striker, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer,” stated Garcia.
“We have five weeks to get him back to full fitness so that little by little he can help the team.”
Former Chelsea, Manchester United and Everton player Lukaku has the chance to play in his fourth successive World Cup, along with Thibaut Courtois, Kevin de Bruyne and Axel Witsel.
