Lukaku on the bench, Moreira overlooked: Garcia's attacking choices questioned ahead of World Cup

Belgium began their second dress rehearsal before the 2026 World Cup on Saturday at the Stade Roi-Baudoin in Brussels, facing Tunisia under Sabri Lamouchi. Four days after a success in Croatia (0-2), thanks to goals from Youri Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku coming off the bench, Rudi Garcia made four changes to his starting eleven.

The French manager fielded Brandon Mechele in central defense, Thomas Meunier and Timothy Castagne on the flanks, and Leandro Trossard in attack, alongside the usual Thibaut Courtois, Nathan Ngoy, Amadou Onana, Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere. It is precisely this last choice that raises questions: De Ketelaere, unconvincing against the Croats and not naturally a striker, is preferred to Diego Moreira, the Strasbourg winger whose supporters were calling for him to start.

The management of Lukaku is also a matter of debate. The Red Devils’ leading striker is for now confined to the role of luxury substitute by Garcia, which mechanically reduces the options up front. Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who impressed in the center forward role late in the season with LOSC, is the only real alternative at this position. Profiles such as Loïs Openda, Lucas Stassin or Romeo Vermant were not included in the squad.

These choices will take on full meaning in the coming weeks, as Belgium has been drawn in an approachable group for the 2026 World Cup, with Egypt, Iran and New Zealand as opponents.

On the other side, Tunisia presented themselves without Dylan Bronn, Yan Valery, Ali Abdi or playmaker Hannibal Mejbri. Hazem Mastouri, who scored four goals with Dynamo Makhachkala this season, was started up front. The Eagles of Carthage will have to face Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands in the group stage.