Rudi Garcia’s controversial omission of Matias Fernandez‑Pardo draws criticism in Belgium World Cup

Belgium manager Rudi Garcia selected naturalised Lille forward Matias Fernandez‑Pardo for the 2026 World Cup, hoping he would fill the striker role amid Romelu Lukaku’s injury and Loïs Openda’s dip in form. The player received only a brief spell in the group stage against Egypt and Iran and was omitted entirely from the knockout matches, while Charles De Ketelaere started up front and Lukaku was used as a substitute.

The lack of playing time has sparked criticism and speculation that the Belgian federation’s push to secure Fernandez‑Pardo’s allegiance influenced his call‑up, especially as other in‑form forwards such as Mika Godts were left out despite strong domestic seasons.