Youri Tielemans is adamant that Romelu Lukaku remains integral to Belgium's hopes for the World Cup.

Lukaku scored on his first Belgium appearance in almost a year as they beat Croatia 2-0 in a warm-up match on Tuesday.

Captain Tielemans opened the scoring in the 38th minute, then set up Hans Vanaken, who headed against the woodwork.

However, Belgium settled the contest when Lukaku marked his return to Red Devils action with a stoppage-time strike.

Lukaku, who made just seven appearances for Napoli in 2025-26 due to injury, has scored 90 goals for his country. This one, though, was his first as a substitute since October 2017.

"This is ideal for Romelu, but also ideal for the team," Tielemans told VTM.

"We know how important he is to the group. He is sharp and mentally everything is fine too.

"We are going to need him very badly."

Lukaku is not only Belgium's record scorer, he is also their joint-leading scorer at the World Cup, with five goals (level with Marc Wilmots).

Belgium take on Tunisia in their final warm-up match before they open their Group G campaign against Mohamed Salah's Egypt on June 15.

They then face Iran and New Zealand, as they look to make up for failing to qualify from the group stage in 2022.