History for Lukaku: Belgian striker breaks all-time World Cup scoring record with sixth tournament goal

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Romelu Lukaku has cemented his place in Belgian football folklore. The 33-year-old striker officially became Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history during the team’s Round of 16 clash against the United States, netting his sixth career goal at the global showpiece.

The record-breaking strike, which came in stoppage time (90+3′) and sealed Belgium’s commanding 4-1 victory, saw Lukaku surpass Marc Wilmots’ previo record of five goals. Wilmots, a Belgian football legend, had held the record since 2002 with two goals in 1998 and three in 20

A Super-Sub for the Ages

What makes Lukaku’s achievement even more remarkable is the context. Plagued by thigh and hamstring injuries leading into the tournament, he was deployed as a substitute by head coach Rudi Garcia. Despite limited minutes, Lukaku has been devastatingly efficient:

· vs New Zealand (Group Stage): Scored 1 goal + 1 assist in just 6 minutes on the pitch
· vs Senegal (Round of 32): Came off the bench in the second half to score the crucial goal that sparked a comeback
· vs USA (Round of 16): Entered in the 67th minute and scored in stoppage time

According to Opta statistics, Lukaku is the first player in World Cup history to score as a substitute in four different World Cup matches. He is also the first to score three goals as a substitute in a single tournament.

Remarkably, in each of his last three World Cup appearances, Lukaku has scored with his only shot on target. Across the tournament, he has played just 103 minutes while scoring 3 goals — an average of approximately one goal every 34 minutes.

The “Lukaku Curse” for Opponents

There is a remarkable pattern: in every World Cup match where Lukaku has scored, Belgium has never lost. The team now holds a perfect 6-0 record in such matches.

A Night of Records

Lukaku’s goal against the USA was his 93rd international goal for Belgium, further extending his status as the nation’s all-time leading scorer. He also became the first Belgian player to score at least three goals in two different World Cup tournaments (2018 and 2026).

With this victory, Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals to face Spain. Meanwhile, the United States joined Canada and Mexico as co-hosts eliminated in the Round of 16.