Youri Tielemans insists Romelu Lukaku remains central to Belgium’s World Cup ambitions after a strong return against Croatia. Lukaku came off the bench and scored in stoppage time, closing out a 2-0 friendly win that reassured Belgium about attacking options before the tournament in June.
The match against Croatia featured Tielemans as captain and playmaker. Tielemans struck the opener in the 38th minute, then delivered a cross that Hans Vanaken headed against the frame of the goal. Belgium controlled long spells, and Lukaku’s late finish confirmed victory in his first national team game for almost a year.
Lukaku’s goal against Croatia took the forward to 90 international goals, extending Belgium’s all-time scoring record. It was the first time since October 2017 that Lukaku scored after entering as a substitute, with every one of the previous 61 international goals in that period coming when Lukaku started matches.
Lukaku also shares Belgium’s World Cup scoring record, sitting level with Marc Wilmots on five goals. That record adds further weight to Tielemans’ belief that Belgium must rely on Lukaku at the tournament, especially after a club season with Napoli disrupted by injuries and limited minutes.
Tielemans, speaking to VTM after the Croatia match, underlined how the squad views Lukaku’s influence. “This is ideal for Romelu, but also ideal for the team,” Tielemans told VTM. “We know how important he is to the group. He is sharp and mentally everything is fine too. We are going to need him very badly.”
Belgium’s preparation continues with one more friendly before the World Cup begins. Tunisia provide the final warm-up opposition, ahead of a Group G campaign that starts against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt on June 15, followed by fixtures against Iran and New Zealand, as Belgium aim to move beyond the group stage after going out in 2022.
Belgium’s confirmed World Cup schedule is shown below, with Lukaku expected to feature strongly if fitness holds.
Lukaku’s limited campaign for Napoli in 2025-26, with only seven appearances due to injury, created questions about form and readiness. The impact against Croatia, the scoring record and Tielemans’ public backing suggest Belgium enter the World Cup with renewed confidence in the main striker’s role and leadership in attack.