Belgium Coach Decides Lukaku's Position Before Facing Egypt
Rudi Garcia, the head coach of the Belgian national team, revealed aspects of his plan ahead of the 2026 World Cup, confirming that striker Romelu Lukaku will not be in the starting lineup for the first match against Egypt, due to his need to gradually regain his physical fitness after a long absence.
The Belgian national team is preparing to compete in the tournament within Group G, which includes alongside them the teams of Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand, with aspirations to go far in the competition and overcome the disappointment of their previous participation in the 2022 World Cup.
In statements to "Gazzetta" newspaper, Garcia explained that Belgium no longer enters major tournaments as one of the top contenders for the title, saying: "We are no longer the team that topped the FIFA rankings for many years. We are now among the outside contenders, and this is natural."
The Belgian coach spoke about Lukaku's situation, noting that the player still requires careful physical management following the muscle injury that kept him out for long periods last season.
Garcia said, "I expected his condition to be worse after such a long absence, but he responded well. However, we will handle him gradually, and he will not be in the starting lineup against Egypt."
In another context, the Belgium coach praised star Kevin De Bruyne, affirming that the midfielder is experiencing a comfortable period with his club Napoli and is adapting excellently to the new environment.
He added: "What matters to me most is that De Bruyne is happy to represent the Belgian national team, and that is the most important thing for us."
Garcia also praised the tactical abilities of Alexis Saelemaekers, emphasizing that he is a player capable of occupying multiple positions on the field, which provides the coaching staff with additional options during the tournament.
He also pointed out that Charles De Ketelaere will remain part of the technical plans despite the decline in his offensive statistics last season, due to his technical abilities that can make a difference in major matches.
On the other hand, the Belgian coach revealed the exclusion of striker Lois Openda from the final squad, explaining that the decision was due to his limited participation with his club in recent times.
He said in this regard: "It was a difficult decision, but it's hard to call up strikers who do not regularly participate with their clubs."
The Belgian national team is preparing to compete in the tournament within Group G, which includes alongside them the teams of Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand, with aspirations to go far in the competition and overcome the disappointment of their previous participation in the 2022 World Cup.
In statements to "Gazzetta" newspaper, Garcia explained that Belgium no longer enters major tournaments as one of the top contenders for the title, saying: "We are no longer the team that topped the FIFA rankings for many years. We are now among the outside contenders, and this is natural."
The Belgian coach spoke about Lukaku's situation, noting that the player still requires careful physical management following the muscle injury that kept him out for long periods last season.
Garcia said, "I expected his condition to be worse after such a long absence, but he responded well. However, we will handle him gradually, and he will not be in the starting lineup against Egypt."
In another context, the Belgium coach praised star Kevin De Bruyne, affirming that the midfielder is experiencing a comfortable period with his club Napoli and is adapting excellently to the new environment.
He added: "What matters to me most is that De Bruyne is happy to represent the Belgian national team, and that is the most important thing for us."
Garcia also praised the tactical abilities of Alexis Saelemaekers, emphasizing that he is a player capable of occupying multiple positions on the field, which provides the coaching staff with additional options during the tournament.
He also pointed out that Charles De Ketelaere will remain part of the technical plans despite the decline in his offensive statistics last season, due to his technical abilities that can make a difference in major matches.
On the other hand, the Belgian coach revealed the exclusion of striker Lois Openda from the final squad, explaining that the decision was due to his limited participation with his club in recent times.
He said in this regard: "It was a difficult decision, but it's hard to call up strikers who do not regularly participate with their clubs."
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