Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku's aspirations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are intrinsically linked to his physical condition, a factor more critical than any perceived favorable tournament timing. The forward has faced significant injury setbacks in recent years, including a hamstring issue in late 2022 that disrupted his preparations for the Qatar tournament.
Lukaku, Belgium's all-time leading goal scorer, played a limited role in the 2022 World Cup due to these fitness problems, coming off the bench in the group stage matches. His struggle for peak fitness has been a recurring theme for both his club and country.
While the narrative of a 'better timing' for 2026 compared to 2022 exists, the primary focus for the 33-year-old striker will be maintaining his health and form through the club season to be available for the national team. The comparison to former captain Vincent Kompany's leadership in 2018, when Belgium finished third, is less about calendar timing and more about a key player being fit and decisive at the right moment.
The road to the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be long, and Lukaku's ability to contribute will depend on careful management of his workload and injury prevention.
