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Romelu Lukaku starts on bench as Belgium faces Egypt in World Cup opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 6:19 PM

Last updated Jun 15, 2026

Romelu Lukaku starts on bench as Belgium faces Egypt in World Cup opener
Summary

Belgium's World Cup opener against Egypt on June 15, 2026, sees Romelu Lukaku starting on the bench. The 33-year-old, Belgium's all-time top scorer with 90 goals in 126 appearances, has not started a World Cup match since 2022. Charles De Ketelaere, 25, selected for the lone striker role, will lead the attack instead. The choice emphasizes Belgium's shift in tactical preference for this match.

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By the Numbers
  • •Belgium plays Egypt in their World Cup opener on June 15.
  • •Romelu Lukaku is the all-time top scorer for Belgium.
  • •Charles De Ketelaere has been chosen to start over Lukaku.
  • •Lukaku last started a World Cup match in 2022.
  • •Belgium will rely on De Ketelaere as the primary striker.
Latest Updates
  • 6:19 PMYahoo Sports — Why Romelu Lukaku isn't starting for Belgium in World Cup opener vs. Egypt
What they're saying
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Belgium leaves out its all-time top scorer.

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