Romelu Lukaku Skips Belgium's USA and Mexico Friendlies

Lukaku withdraws from Belgium's World Cup warm-ups

Romelu Lukaku pulls out of Belgium's World Cup warm-up matches against USA and Mexico to focus on fitness. The 32-year-old striker has scored 89 goals in 124 internationals for Belgium.

“Romelu has chosen to focus on training to further optimise his physical condition...” 

Belgium's star striker Romelu Lukaku has pulled out of their World Cup warm-up matches against the USA and Mexico to focus on his fitness. The 32-year-old, who has scored a record 89 goals in 124 internationals, will skip the friendlies in Atlanta and Chicago to work on his physical readiness.

Lukaku has struggled with injury this season and played sparingly for Napoli, making just seven appearances in all competitions. His last game for Belgium was a 4-3 win over Wales in June, where he scored. The Belgian Football Association respects his decision and wishes him the best of luck.

Romelu Lukaku will not take part in the upcoming Red Devils friendlies in the US against the United States and Mexico.

Romelu has chosen to focus on training to further optimize his physical condition. The KBVB respects his decision and wishes him the best of luck.

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) March 24, 2026

“Romelu has chosen to focus on training to further optimise his physical condition,” the Belgian ‌Football Association said in a statement on Tuesday.

Romelu Lukaku has been struggling with injuries this season, which has limited his playing time for Napoli. He last played for Belgium in June, scoring in a 4-3 win over Wales in World Cup qualifying, but missed the next six internationals.

Due to his injury concerns, Lukaku has withdrawn from Belgium's World Cup warm-up matches against the US and Mexico to focus on his fitness. The Belgian Football Association respects his decision, prioritizing his recovery.