Romelu Lukaku: Belgium's Injury-Hit Key Striker

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Romelu Lukaku, despite limited playing time this season due to injuries, played a key role as a substitute in Belgium’s 1-1 World Cup opener against Egypt by pressuring a defender into an own goal. His impact off the bench provides Belgium with a vital attacking option as they look to overcome a tough group stage despite his ongoing fitness challenges.

Belgium’s striker Romelu Lukaku, despite a season plagued by injuries and limited playing time, emerged as a pivotal figure in the team’s opening match at the World Cup. The 33-year-old forward, who saw just 64 minutes of club action for Napoli this season due to fitness issues, made an immediate impact after entering as a substitute in the 66th minute of Belgium’s 1-1 draw against Egypt.

Lukaku’s brief appearance was instrumental in Belgium’s equalizing goal. Within seconds of being on the field, he pressured defender Mohamed Hany into an unfortunate own goal. The striker, who is Belgium’s all-time leading scorer with 90 goals, utilized his extensive experience to disrupt Egypt’s defense and provide a new attacking dimension after Belgium struggled to break through in the first half.

Belgium’s head coach, Rudi Garcia, acknowledged the risks of including Lukaku given the forward’s physical condition. The 62-year-old French manager described Lukaku as "out of shape" upon arrival at the tournament and confirmed that the striker is not yet fit enough to start matches. However, Garcia emphasized Lukaku’s value as an impact substitute, highlighting the possibility of him becoming a key asset in Belgium’s campaign.

“Playing 64 minutes across the season doesn’t bode well for a World Cup,” Garcia said, noting the striker’s limited preparation time. “He is in his garden — in the box. For me, it was very positive. His body needs to get back into groove. He isn’t injured. If he can play the supersub role and then score every time he comes on, that’s great. And if you’re a defender and see him coming off the bench, you’re probably quaking in your boots.”

Lukaku’s presence offers Belgium a more direct attacking threat compared to Charles De Ketelaere’s role as a false nine, which had seen the team fail to register a shot on target in the first half of the opener. Lukaku’s size and experience provide an alternative tactical option for Belgium as they navigate a challenging group stage.

This World Cup marks Lukaku’s seventh major international tournament, where he has scored 11 goals in 14 European Championship matches and appeared 13 times at previous World Cups. Despite his struggles with fitness this season, Belgium’s management and supporters will be hoping the seasoned striker can deliver crucial contributions as the team aims to advance on football’s biggest stage.