De Ketelaere and Lukaku: Belgium's Two-Pronged Attack for World Cup
Short overview
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia has two contrasting but effective forwards in Romelu Lukaku and Charles De Ketelaere ahead of their Round of 32 match against Senegal.
Belgium enter their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 tie against Senegal in Seattle with a striking duo that offers coach Rudi Garcia contrasting but complementary options. Romelu Lukaku, the powerful penalty-box presence, and Charles De Ketelaere, a more technical false nine, give Belgium a tactical flexibility few teams can match.
Two Forwards, Different Strengths
De Ketelaere has started two of Belgium's three group matches as a false nine, but it was Lukaku who made the decisive contributions off the bench. The Napoli striker helped secure a 1-1 draw against Egypt and scored in a 5-1 victory over New Zealand that lifted Belgium above Egypt on goal difference to top the group.
Atalanta forward De Ketelaere is yet to score at this World Cup but has been integral to Belgium's build-up play. “Scoring is obviously the best feeling, but providing assists is important too,” De Ketelaere said at the pre-match press conference. “They are one of my strengths.”
De Ketelaere has played as a centre-forward for Atalanta, using his physical and technical ability to find space between the lines. However, his preferred role is as a second striker or attacking midfielder behind a No. 9 like Lukaku.
Garcia's Tactical Flexibility
“We have to use our physical strength at this tournament, and Charles is a big part of that because of what he brings as a centre-forward,” said Garcia. The coach has the freedom to deploy either forward depending on match circumstances.
Lukaku, despite his vastly different style, has been mentoring De Ketelaere. “Rom gives me a lot of advice on how to approach things, and I really appreciate it,” De Ketelaere added. “That’s what this squad is all about.”
Lukaku's Injury Comeback
Lukaku was in danger of missing the World Cup entirely after sustaining an injury in a pre-season friendly for Napoli. The setback sidelined him for almost the entire campaign, limiting him to just 64 minutes of action. “I’m happy to be here because, given the way my season went, I wouldn’t normally have been called up,” he admitted. “To be at the World Cup, being able to help the team and to make the difference when needed is fantastic. Even at the end of April, there were still doubts about whether or not I’d make the squad. I had already spoken to the coach and told him that if I could get myself fit, I wanted to be here. I’m happy I made it.”
Lukaku's impact off the bench has been vital. He explained: “I think that, when you’re on the bench, it’s important to communicate with your team-mates and follow what’s going on in the game closely. That way, everything is easier when you come on.”
With De Ketelaere and Lukaku, Garcia has two very different forwards to call upon, giving Belgium the tactical freedom to adapt as needed against Senegal.
