Lukebakio: Belgium proved they must always believe after Senegal comeback

Dodi Lukebakio, an attacker for the Belgian national team, believes the squad has shown they "always have to keep believing" after their comeback victory against Senegal secured a spot in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. He stated this achievement has provided "extra momentum" and "more confidence" as they prepare for a "complicated" Round of 16 match against the United States.

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We have shown that we always have to keep believing.

Lukebakio reflected on the tournament, noting that no team's path is perfect, citing Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory as an example where not everyone predicted their win. He sees starting the tournament with challenges as beneficial, as it mentally prepares the team for all eventualities, as they experienced against Senegal. "I think it's positive that we have shown that we always have to keep believing until the end," he said, highlighting the group's mental readiness whether starting or coming off the bench.

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I think it's positive that we have shown that we always have to keep believing until the end.

Despite being a substitute in all four World Cup matches so far, Lukebakio expressed his desire to start but prioritized the team's success. "As a player, nobody likes to start on the bench. Of course, I would like to be a starter, but the team is the most important thing for me," he explained. He stressed the importance of every player being prepared, as the coach ultimately decides the best lineup to win a match. He added that not starting doesn't mean the coach doesn't count on a player, as demonstrated when he and Diego Moreira came on as substitutes with Belgium trailing 0-2 against Senegal.

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As a player, nobody likes to start on the bench. Of course, I would like to be a starter, but the team is the most important thing for me.

Looking forward to the match against the United States, Lukebakio anticipates a difficult game, especially with the US playing at home. He noted their significant improvement since their last friendly. "We will face a very complicated team," he stated, but reiterated that the "special feeling" from the Senegal match has given them extra impetus and confidence. He also commented on the dramatic comeback against Senegal, where scoring multiple goals in a short time was "something very special," emphasizing that it was a collective effort rather than the work of a single player.

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We will face a very complicated team.