Rudi Garcia stressed that Belgium’s World Cup squad remains completely open, even after the United States tour, and highlighted how Dodi Lukebakio strengthened a claim for selection. Garcia praised the group’s mentality across the camp but repeated that no place is secure, and club performances over the coming months will decide who boards the flight.
Belgium ended the window with a 1-1 draw against Mexico at Soldier Field, four days after a 5-2 victory over the United States. Lukebakio scored a powerful equaliser shortly after half-time against Mexico, helping Belgium recover from a poor first period in which Jorge Sanchez had given Mexico a deserved lead.
Garcia used his post-match comments to underline the competition for spots and the need
for higher weekly intensity. "I spoke to the players and made it very clear to them that they must do everything to become starters in their clubs. This intensity is necessary to progress. You make your decisions faster; you gain intensity in the duels. "
That theme matched Garcia’s half-time talk in Chicago, when Belgium trailed 1-0. "At half-time, I told the players that no plan leads anywhere if you lose every duel, if you don't put your foot in," he said. "They listened and rebelled. By the World Cup, we must ensure that everyone is ready from minute one. This group shows willpower and is sharp mentally. This team can score against anyone. Many teams hang their heads when they're trailing. Not this group, because it knows it has the talent to turn the game around. "
Lukebakio’s goal arrived just 43 seconds into the second half, when the winger cut inside and finished with a fierce left-footed strike. It was Belgium’s first effort on target after the break and immediately changed the mood of a contest that Mexico had dominated before the interval with higher tempo and greater aggression.
Across the ninety minutes, Belgium struggled to create regular openings. The team registered only five shots, worth 0.3 expected goals, and hit the target just twice. Lukebakio’s goal came from his only attempt of the match, valued at 0.02 expected goals, underlining the quality of the finish rather than sustained attacking pressure from Belgium.
| Team | Goals | Total Shots | Shots on Target | Expected Goals (xG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 1 | 5 | 2 | 0.3 |
| Mexico | 1 | - | - | - |
Lukebakio also contributed without the ball, contesting 10 duels, the second-highest figure among Belgium players. That combination of attacking output and work rate pleased Garcia, who still urged caution about reading too much into one performance. Garcia linked every positive sign to a broader demand for consistency at club level before the tournament begins.
We end our USA trip with a draw.#ScoredWithING pic.twitter.com/x7bOUFTtpJBelgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) April 1, 2026
Belgium World Cup squad still open, says Garcia
When asked directly about squad choices, Garcia repeated that reputations would not secure places. "I don't have any names on my list yet; no one is guaranteed a spot on the plane," he added. "The seats will be hard to come by. Dodi Lukebakio is one of those who have earned points. Fantastic left foot. That said, I always look at the defensive side as well. "
The head coach also singled out several younger players whose involvement in the camp broadened Belgium’s options. "Nathan Ngoy and Mika Godts left me with a good impression. They haven't played with Belgium's best team. This camp allowed us to see other boys. The young Lucas Stassin also caught my eye. Interesting with his back to goal. He's a clever striker. "
Garcia’s reflections on the United States trip balanced satisfaction and caution. The 5-2 win over the United States showed Belgium’s attacking potential, while the 1-1 draw with Mexico highlighted issues in duels and chance creation. Garcia viewed the window as a useful test of depth, but insisted that every player still needs stronger club form before Belgium’s World Cup squad is finalised.
