Lukaku refuses to let outside noise distract him as Belgium chase glory

After making just seven appearances and scoring one goal in all competitions for Napoli during an injury-ravaged 2025-26 campaign, Lukaku was a surprise inclusion in Rudi Garcia’s squad.

But the 33-year-old hitman is loving every minute of his time in North America, having featured in each of the Red Devils’ group games.

With a goal and an assist to his name, he has already proven that Garcia made the right call by including him in his plans.

And with Senegal standing between Belgium and a place in the last 16, Lukaku is ready to do whatever he can to ensure the adventure continues.

He said: “I'm just happy to ‌be here. If you look at my season and how it went, normally I should never have been at the World Cup.

"So for me, being here, playing, helping ⁠my team, making a difference, ‌being decisive in a match… it's great.”

Draws against Egypt and Iran increased the pressure on Belgium but a 5-1 victory over New Zealand ensured they topped Group G.

Lukaku climbed off the bench in the 84th minute against the All Whites, giving him enough time to net his side’s fourth goal and set up the fifth for Alexis Saelemaekers.

The former Chelsea and Inter Milan ace knows that cameo will not have been enough to silence his detractors — but he doesn’t care.

He added: “The last few years, I try not to focus on what is happening outside. My focus is on what is happening on the pitch and in the stadium.

“That is my mindset. I try to pass that on to the group.

“Everyone has their own way. But paying attention to what is being said outside, it's useless. If you perform well, you will be recognised.”

Senegal were beaten 3-1 by France and 3-2 by Norway but a 5-0 drubbing of Iraq was enough to see them advance to the knockout phase.

And Lukaku knows Belgium cannot afford to take anything for granted when they collide with Pape Thiaw’s side in Seattle tonight.

He said: “I think it will be a difficult match. You shouldn't underestimate them. They are very strong.

"Technically they are very good, tactically they are very strong, physically they can make the difference, so for us it will be a big challenge intensity-wise.

"I said in ⁠the dressing room it will ⁠be 50-50, so let's see ‌what the game brings."

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