The 33-year-old Napoli striker has struggled with injuries and lack of playing time this season, making only seven substitute appearances and playing just 69 minutes in the 2025-26 campaign.

Lukaku has spent the last two months in Belgium recovering from a hamstring injury.

Despite the concerns, Garcia believes the experienced striker still has an important role to play for the national team.

“Romelu has recovered, but he is out of shape,” Garcia said. “I’m not sure he can start matches yet, but he remains our best striker and Belgium’s all-time top scorer. ”

Lukaku has scored 89 goals in 124 appearances for Belgium, making him one of the country’s greatest footballers.

His last international match came against Wales in June last year.

The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Everton forward now has the chance to feature in his fourth straight FIFA World Cup.

Belgium’s squad also includes experienced stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois and Axel Witsel as the Red Devils prepare for the global tournament.

Garcia has also handed a call-up to young Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo after the 21-year-old officially committed his international future to Belgium this week.

Born in Brussels to Italian and Spanish parents, Fernandez-Pardo had switched allegiance to Spain in 2025 but never played for the Spanish national team.

Belgium moved quickly to bring the talented attacker back into their plans.

Meanwhile, Juventus striker Lois Openda was left out after struggling for regular playing time this season.

Belgium were drawn in Group G, where they will face Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in matches set to be played in the United States and Canada.

Fans will now hope Lukaku can regain full fitness in time to lead Belgium’s attack once again on football’s biggest stage.