Why Lukaku’s supersub role could be Belgium’s secret weapon

Romelu Lukaku’s impact was felt instantly in Belgium’s opening World Cup 2026 match against Egypt, when the striker entered as a substitute and, just 22 seconds later, his presence forced an Egyptian defender into an own‑goal, earning the Red Devils a valuable point. Lukaku arrived at Napoli after a season riddled with injuries and physical setbacks, limiting his playing time and preventing him from regaining match rhythm. The lack of consistent minutes left questions about his readiness for the World Cup. Ahead of the group clash with New Zealand, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia openly admitted that the striker was not prepared to endure a full 90‑minute effort. Garcia’s assessment suggested a tactical shift toward using Lukaku as an impact substitute. In the earlier group encounter against Iran, Lukaku was thrust into the starting eleven after Charles De Ketelaere’s injury forced a hurried selection. The forward failed to find the net, highlighting the challenges of deploying him for the entire match.

Romelu Lukaku’s role at the World Cup may hinge on the bench

Against New Zealand, a perfect delivery from Nicolas Raskin found Lukaku, who scored on his second touch within a minute of entering the field. The goal marked his sixth World Cup tally, cementing him as Belgium’s sole record holder for tournament goals. Kevin De Bruyne later remarked, “C’est en partie ma faute s’il jouait peu !”, indicating that Lukaku’s limited minutes also benefited the midfielder’s own performances. De Bruyne’s comment underscored the broader impact of Lukaku’s bench role on the team’s dynamics.

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Charles De Ketelaere demonstrated his capacity to perform the high‑pressing, physically demanding work for 60‑70 minutes against New Zealand, keeping defenders under constant pressure. His effort contrasted with Lukaku’s fresh impact when introduced later in the game. Garcia may therefore consider a supersub strategy, exploiting Lukaku’s proven effectiveness in short bursts rather than a full‑match workload. Such an approach could give Belgium a rare tactical weapon, as few national sides possess a striker of his caliber on the bench.