Why Romelu Lukaku isn't playing today for Belgium vs. Spain in World Cup quarterfinal starting 11
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Why Romelu Lukaku isn't playing today for Belgium vs. Spain in World Cup quarterfinal starting 11 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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Romelu Lukaku remains on the bench.
The Belgium legend scored the exclamation point goal against the United States in the World Cup Round of 16, but he isn't starting against Spain in the quarterfinal round.
It's not a shock in reality, but it's still notable.
Lukaku has scored more goals than any player in Belgium history. But if he makes an impact on Friday, it'll be as a substitute.
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Why isn't Romelu Lukaku playing?
Lukaku has been a consistent bench player for Belgium at this World Cup.
It's not entirely a statement on his talent, but it's a way to keep him fresh and let him be his best self for shorter stints rather than risking struggle or injury over a longer tournament by playing too many minutes.
In this case, Belgium has also found another option up top. Charles De Ketelaere scored two goals against the United States, and he starts again against Spain:
🇪🇸 Spain XI: Unai Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Oyarzabal.
— Pascal StatZone⚽📊 (@PascalStatz) July 10, 2026
🇧🇪 Belgium XI: Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Tielemans, De Bruyne; Doku, De Ketelaere, Trossard.#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/SB3Z48ck0X
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Of note: Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku both return to the starting 11 after being on the bench to start the match against the United States. They should be refreshed and ready to try and pull the upset against Spain.
And there'll almost certainly be a role for Lukaku later in the match.