World Cup 2026: I shouldn’t have been selected based on my club performances – Romelu Lukaku

Belgium’s all-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku has admitted he never expected to be playing at the World Cup after an injury-plagued club campaign, but says simply being part of the tournament is a victory in itself as he embraces a new role off the bench.

The 33-year-old endured a frustrating season with Napoli, managing just over an hour of action because of persistent fitness problems. Yet he has already logged almost twice that amount of playing time for Belgium at the World Cup, helping the Red Devils finish top of Group G and secure a round-of-32 showdown with Senegal.

Rather than dwelling on the setbacks that threatened to derail his tournament, Lukaku says he is grateful to be contributing when many believed his World Cup dream had already ended.

“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,” he told reporters.

“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.”

Instant impact from the bench

Although Lukaku is still working his way back to peak fitness, his influence has been immediate whenever Belgium manager Rudi Garcia has called upon him.

His first appearance came against Egypt, with Belgium trailing and struggling to break through. Within seconds of his introduction, the pressure he applied forced an own goal that changed the course of the match.

Lukaku then started Belgium’s goalless draw with Iran before returning to the bench against New Zealand. Once again, he made an instant impression, scoring shortly after coming on to restore Belgium to the top of the group standings.

His tournament return of one goal and one assist in just 121 minutes underlines the value he continues to bring despite limited playing time.

Explaining how he prepares for matches as a substitute, Lukaku revealed that observation has become one of his greatest strengths.

“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,” he said.

“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 eyes unfinished business

Lukaku is among the last remaining figures from Belgium’s celebrated golden generation, a squad that came close to major honours but ultimately fell short on the biggest stages.

Now one of the senior leaders in Garcia’s squad, he hopes experience can help Belgium navigate the knockout rounds, starting with a stern test against Senegal.

The striker warned his teammates against underestimating the African side, describing them as a complete team capable of matching Belgium in every department.

“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,” Lukaku said.

“I said in the dressing room it will be 50-50, so let’s see what the game brings.”

A new role with the same ambition

While Lukaku may no longer be guaranteed a place in Belgium’s starting lineup, his performances have shown he remains one of the squad’s most dangerous weapons.

Whether leading the line from kickoff or changing games from the bench, the veteran striker has already demonstrated that his experience and instinct can still shape decisive moments.

For a player who believed he might miss the tournament altogether, every appearance now represents an opportunity to help Belgium chase the success that has long eluded its golden generation.