On a sweltering Tuesday morning, as selfie-seekers snapped photos of the Red Devils’ squad bus arrival and fans waved from the perimeter fence, Lukaku and Witsel—two men who’ve spent decades battling injuries, criticism, and the relentless pressure of Belgian football—celebrated a personal achievement that few in their position ever reach: 100 official caps for their country. For Lukaku, it was a triumphant return to the national team after a two-year absence; for Witsel, it was the capstone of a career that has spanned nearly 15 years.

What unfolded in Tubeke wasn’t just a training session. It was a moment of quiet defiance against the narrative that Belgium’s golden generation is fading. With the 2026 World Cup looming and the Red Devils’ squad bus rolling into their final pre-tournament camp, the smiles on Lukaku’s and Witsel’s faces carried a message: This team is still hungry.

From Club Loyalty to National Glory: The Numbers Behind the Smiles

Lukaku’s 100th cap came in a 2–1 friendly victory over FIFA World Cup qualifier UEFA opponents Denmark on March 25, 2024—a game where his header sealed Belgium’s playoff spot. Witsel, meanwhile, reached the milestone in a 3–0 win over CONMEBOL rivals Argentina in November 2023, though his celebration was far less publicized.

Key Milestones

• Romelu Lukaku: 100 caps (March 25, 2024 vs. Denmark); 50 goals (tied for 6th all-time in Belgian men’s national team history).
• Axel Witsel: 100 caps (Nov 19, 2023 vs. Argentina); 16 goals (career average: 0.16 goals per game).
• Belgium’s 2026 WC Squad: 18 players called up (as of June 2024); average age: 27.5 years.
• Tubeke Camp: June 9–23, 2024; focus on tactical cohesion and high-intensity drills.

Sources: RFBF official records, UEFA, FIFA, and team statements.

No Sitting on Laurels: The Red Devils’ Unconventional Pre-Tournament Camp

If the images from Tubeke’s training ground told one story—camaraderie and levity—then the drills themselves told another: this is no vacation. With the Red Devils’ squad bus arriving under heavy media scrutiny (and a few selfie hunters), the focus was on rebuilding.

Belgium’s 2026 World Cup campaign begins in February 2026, but the real work starts now. The squad, which includes UEFA Euro 2024 standouts like Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere alongside veterans like Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard, is divided on club commitments:

• Lukaku (Chelsea) and Witsel (Borussia Dortmund) are among the few who’ve played nearly every minute for their clubs this season.
• De Ketelaere (Brighton) and Doku (PSV) have been limited by injuries, with Doku returning from a knee operation just weeks ago.
• Courtois (Real Madrid) and Hazard (Al-Hilal) are in the final year of their careers, adding a layer of experience but also uncertainty.

The training sessions in Tubeke, overseen by head coach Domenico Tedesco, have prioritized positional play and defensive solidity—areas where Belgium struggled in the Euro 2024 knockout stages. “We’re not here to relax,” Tedesco told reporters. “We’re here to rebuild what we lost in Germany.”

Why This Camp Matters: Tedesco’s Gamble on Youth and Experience

Tedesco’s biggest challenge isn’t just preparing for the World Cup—it’s redefining Belgium’s identity. The squad that reached the 2018 World Cup final was built on high-pressing, vertical football. Today, with key players aging and injuries mounting, Tedesco is experimenting with a lower block and more direct transitions.

Lukaku and Witsel, despite their milestones, are being tested in new roles. Lukaku, usually a lone striker, has been asked to drop deeper to link play—a tactic that worked in his Chelsea days but is untested at the international level. Witsel, a career midfielder, is being deployed as a false nine in some drills to stretch defenses.

FAQ: What This Means for Belgium’s 2026 Campaign

Q: Are Lukaku and Witsel still elite at 31 and 33?

Both have shown flashes of their prime in recent months, but consistency is the question. Lukaku’s Premier League form with Chelsea has been solid, while Witsel’s Dortmund return has been steady rather than spectacular. Tedesco has said he’ll play them based on match fitness, not caps.

Q: Could Belgium repeat as World Cup finalists?

Unlikely. The 2018 team had Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Romelu Lukaku at their peak. Today, De Bruyne is injured, Hazard is past his prime, and Lukaku’s partnership with Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) remains untested. Belgium’s best path is a top-four finish in Group E (vs. Morocco, Canada, Croatia).

Q: What’s the biggest tactical risk?

Over-reliance on set-pieces. Belgium’s attack thrives on quick counterattacks, but with Thibaut Courtois (33) and Simon Mignolet (36) as goalkeepers, defensive transitions are slower. Tedesco has drilled structured pressing traps to mitigate this.

The Weight of 100 Caps: Lukaku and Witsel’s Unspoken Legacy

For Lukaku, the 100th cap was more than a number. It was a reclamation. After two years away from the national team—due to injuries and a falling-out with then-manager Roberto Martínez—his return in March 2024 was met with relief. “I missed it,” he told reporters after the Denmark game. “But I also needed to prove I was still the same player.”

Witsel’s journey was different. A three-time Belgian Player of the Year who once seemed destined for greatness, his career has been defined by resilience. A knee injury in 2020 threatened to end his international days early, but Witsel fought back. “You don’t reach 100 caps by giving up,” he said in a Volkswagen Belgium interview last month. “You reach them by showing up.”

In Tubeke, their camaraderie was on full display. During a passing drill, Lukaku was seen laughing as Witsel—ever the joker—mimed a slipping tackle on him. It was a far cry from the tension that often defines national team camps. “We’ve been through too much together to take it seriously all the time,” Lukaku said. “But when the whistle blows in 2026, we’ll be ready.”

What’s Next: Belgium’s World Cup Roadmap

The Red Devils’ next official action is a friendly against the Netherlands on June 17 in Brussels (18:00 UTC). But the real focus remains on the 2026 World Cup preparations:

• June 23, 2024: Final training camp ends in Tubeke.
• August 2024: Pre-World Cup tour to FIFA-ranked opponents (dates TBA).
• February 2026: World Cup opener vs. Canada (14:00 UTC) in Atlanta.

Tedesco has made it clear: No pressure, just preparation. But in the locker room in Tubeke, where Lukaku and Witsel’s laughter echoed off the walls, one thing was certain—Belgium’s World Cup story isn’t over yet.

What Do You Think?

Can Belgium repeat as World Cup finalists? Or is this the last hurrah for Lukaku and Witsel? Share your predictions in the comments—or tag @ArchySport with your thoughts.

Next Update: Belgium’s June 17 friendly vs. The Netherlands (live preview and tactical breakdown coming June 12).