Belgium head into their decisive FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G clash against New Zealand with qualification hanging by a thread, but head coach Rudi Garcia has revealed a major fitness concern. The Belgian boss confirmed that attacking stars Jeremy Doku and Romelu Lukaku are not yet ready to play the full 90 minutes, forcing the Red Devils to carefully manage two of their biggest match-winners in a game they simply cannot afford to lose.
Garcia banking on team effort despite fitness concerns
Belgium have endured a disappointing start to the tournament, managing only a 1-1 draw against Egypt before being held to a goalless stalemate by Iran. Those results have left the 2018 World Cup semifinalists under pressure heading into their final group-stage fixture, where victory is expected to be crucial to keeping their Round of 32 hopes alive.
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Speaking ahead of the encounter, Garcia admitted both Doku and Lukaku are available for selection, but neither is physically ready to last an entire match.
I still can’t believe there are real human beings who hated on Jeremy Doku for leaving the World Cup for a bit to attend the birth of his child
— (fan) Trey (@UTDTrey) June 26, 2026
We all love football but some of you are INSANE😭 pic.twitter.com/PXnXoROpyR
Instead, Belgium will have to manage their minutes carefully while relying on the rest of the squad to deliver in one of its biggest games of the tournament.
Doku returns, Lukaku to be managed carefully
Garcia confirmed that Doku has only recently returned to the squad after missing training because of illness and taking time away following the birth of his son. Although the Manchester City winger is back in contention, the coach said a week without training has affected his fitness levels.
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The 24-year-old featured in Belgium's tournament opener before missing the draw against Iran due to breathing issues. Garcia believes Doku's pace and ability to unsettle defenders can still prove decisive, even if he is unable to complete the full 90 minutes.
Lukaku is also not considered ready for an entire match despite recovering from injury. Garcia revealed the veteran striker could either start and be substituted later or be introduced from the bench, depending on how the game unfolds. The coach stressed that the experienced forward remains one of Belgium's biggest attacking threats despite his limited fitness.
Garcia also emphasised that Belgium cannot depend solely on star players if they are to progress. Instead, he urged the entire squad to rise to the occasion and produce a collective performance against a confident New Zealand side. Defender Brandon Mechele echoed that message, warning that Belgium must match New Zealand's energy and intensity throughout the contest.
With their FIFA World Cup campaign on the line, Belgium will hope Doku and Lukaku can make decisive contributions—even if both are expected to play only limited minutes.
