Belgium's Romelu Lukaku, despite recent injuries, has been named in the 26-man World Cup roster alongside Napoli teammate Kevin De Bruyne. Garcia emphasizes team spirit and balance.
The 33-year-old striker, who scored 89 goals in 124 appearances for Belgium, made it to the squad after missing matches due to injury this season. Lukaku will play his fourth World Cup with teammates like Thomas Meunier and Axel Witsel.
Belgium's coach, Rudi Garcia, announced the roster on Friday, excluding Ajax winger Mika Godts who has been performing exceptionally well for his team. The squad also includes goalkeeper Mike Penders from Strasbourg and midfielder Alexis Saelemaekers from Arsenal.
Garcia emphasized the importance of team spirit and balancing experience with youth in the selection process. He while Belgium is not considered favorites, they prefer an underdog position to maintain ambition throughout the tournament.
Belgium's World Cup campaign starts on June 15 against Egypt in Seattle. The squad will face Iran in Los Angeles on June 21 and New Zealand in Vancouver on June 26.
GOALSKEEPERS: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) Senne Lammens (Manchester United) Mike Penders (Strasbourg, on loan from Chelsea)
DEFENDERS: Timothy Castagne (Fulham) Zeno Debast (Sporting CP) Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton) Koni De Winter (Milan) Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge) Thomas Meunier (Lille) Nathan Ngoy (Lille) Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge) Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt)
MIDFIELDERS: Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli) Amadou Onana (Aston Villa) Nicolas Raskin (Rangers) Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa) Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge) Axel Witsel (Girona)
FORWARDS: Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta) Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) Matias Fernandez Pardo (Lille) Romelu Lukaku (Napoli) Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica) Diego Moreira (Strasbourg) Alexis Saelemaekers (Milan) Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
GOALSKEEPERS: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) Senne Lammens (Manchester United) Mike Penders (Strasbourg, on loan from Chelsea)
