Lukaku Tempers World Cup Hopes: ‘Crazy to Think I’d Start’
Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer, has urged fans to temper their expectations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling it “crazy” to assume he will be an instant starter when Belgium faces Egypt in their group opener on 15 June. In an exclusive interview with Gazet van Antwerpen and Het Nieuwsblad, the 33-year-old Napoli striker spoke candidly about his fitness, his injury-ravaged season, and his long-term commitment to the Red Devils.
Context: A Season Derailed by Injury
Lukaku’s 2025-26 campaign at Napoli was severely disrupted by injuries, limiting him to just 64 minutes of playing time across the entire season. Despite winning the Serie A title with Napoli in his first season at the club in 2024-25, the current campaign has been a stark contrast. The striker has been rehabilitating in Belgium, training with Anderlecht Futures and at Tubeke alongside other World Cup-bound players, as Sporza reported.
Italian media had suggested tension between Lukaku and Napoli over his decision to rehabilitate in Belgium rather than at the club’s facilities, but the striker dismissed those claims. “Everything with Napoli is peace,” Lukaku said. “It bothers me what some Italian media have made of it. They’ve poured a whole sauce over it.”
’Crazy’ to Expect an Instant Start
With Belgium set to open their World Cup campaign against Egypt on the evening of 15 June, Lukaku was emphatic that fans should not expect him to lead the line from the first whistle.
“I’m not going with the idea that I’ll be a starter by then. Or that I’ll play an hour. That thinking would be crazy,” Lukaku told the Flemish newspapers, as cited by Sporza. “I’ve become much wiser. I don’t need it for my ego either, which I naturally have. Like every footballer.”
The striker emphasized a step-by-step approach to regaining match sharpness. “The only thing I’m missing are matches. First get minutes, build rhythm and gain confidence,” he said.
Signs of Progress
Despite the limited game time, there are encouraging signs. Lukaku revealed that recent sprint tests recorded speeds of 35 to 35.5 km/h — his fastest in years, according to VoetbalPrimeur. “I feel fitter and fitter,” he said. “The last time I was this fast was years ago.”
His work ethic remains undiminished. “I’m not the player who just accepts the facts and collects his money to do nothing,” Lukaku asserted.
Belgium as ‘Outsider’
Lukaku also offered a realistic assessment of Belgium’s prospects at the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Belgium’s so-called “Golden Generation” — including Kevin De Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen, and Toby Alderweireld — is largely past its peak, and the team is in transition after a group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“We’re not a favorite, but we’re not going to hide either. We’re an outsider,” Lukaku said, as P-Magazine reported.
Long-Term Plans: Playing Until 2030
While the immediate focus is on the World Cup, Lukaku made clear that his international career is far from over. The striker, who has scored 89 goals in 124 appearances for Belgium, plans to continue with the national team through the 2030 World Cup, when he will be 37.
“After this World Cup, I want to complete at least two more major tournaments with the Red Devils. The desire is still there,” Lukaku said. “I want to continue until the 2030 World Cup, then I’ll be 37. After that, it’s over.”
He also confirmed his intention to finish his club career at RSC Anderlecht, the club where he began his senior career. “More than those 100 goals as a Red Devil, that is one of my goals, yes. After that, it’s done,” he said.
What’s Next
Belgium’s full squad is expected to assemble in the coming days for final World Cup preparations. The Red Devils have been drawn in a group with Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. While Lukaku may not start the opener, his experience and proven goal-scoring ability could make him a crucial impact substitute as the tournament progresses. For a Belgian side in transition, the all-time top scorer’s presence — even in a reduced role — provides a valuable asset as they seek to improve on their disappointing 2022 campaign.