Romelu Lukaku will not join the Belgian national team for their upcoming friendlies in the United States, the team announced on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The decision comes as a surprise as the matches against the US and Mexico were intended as key preparation ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer.
Lukaku, who currently plays for a club in Italy, has opted to focus on intensive training to optimize his physical condition. “Romelu verkiest om de komende periode te trainen met als doel zijn fysieke paraatheid verder te optimaliseren,” the Belgian football federation stated in a press release. “The KBVB respects this decision and wishes Romelu all the best.”
This latest withdrawal follows those of Thibaut Courtois, Hans Vanaken, and Leandro Trossard, who had already made themselves unavailable for the trip. The team confirmed Lukaku’s absence on social media, stating, “Romelu Lukaku will not seize part in the upcoming Red Devils friendlies in the US against the United States and Mexico.”
Lukaku’s decision comes after a period of limited playing time at his club following a five-month absence due to a quadriceps injury. He has struggled to regain his starting position, having played only 64 minutes in the last seven matches. The 32-year-old has scored 89 goals in 124 appearances for the Red Devils.
The Belgian squad will now assess whether to call up replacements for the matches. The team is scheduled to depart for the United States soon, and the federation will announce any additions to the roster in the coming hours.
According to Voetbalbelgie.be, Lukaku doesn’t sense “one hundred percent fit” and is prioritizing his physical preparation.
Hans Vanaken will also miss the trip to the US, with reports suggesting it would have been “unwise to position him on a plane for 12 hours” given his current condition. Leandro Trossard has also withdrawn from the squad. Sporza reports that the team trained for the first time with three new call-ups on Tuesday.
