After representing Belgium’s youth teams up to the U19 level and then initially favoring Spain, Matias Fernandez-Pardo (21) is now expected to play for Belgium in the upcoming World Cup, pending administrative approval. The full squad is set to be announced this Friday at 13:20 in Tubize, at the national training center south of Brussels.
The Belgian Football Federation has officially confirmed the news. “The young striker has spent the last few months reflecting on his international future before making a definitive decision,” the federation stated, quoting Fernandez-Pardo. “The choice for Belgium was not easy,” the LOSC forward explained. “I feel deeply connected to both Belgium and Spain. The positive and sincere exchanges with Rudi Garcia and Vincent Mannaert (the Red Devils’ sporting director) ultimately played a key role in my decision to opt for Belgium. Additionally, playing alongside my club teammates Thomas Meunier and Nathan Ngoy at Lille reinforced my choice. They helped me confirm this feeling, both on and off the pitch. I am excited to now fully commit to the Belgian national team.”
Rudi Garcia is currently facing a shortage of central forwards as he awaits whether star Romelu Lukaku—who hasn’t played for Napoli since March 6 (six minutes against Cagliari, 1-0) and has been undergoing rehabilitation in Belgium or with Napoli—will be fit to finish Belgian chances in the United States and Canada. Meanwhile, Loïs Openda is barely playing for Juventus, similar to Romeo Vermont at Club Brugge and Michy Batshuayi at Eintracht Frankfurt.
More than Leandro Trossard (Arsenal), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta Bergamo) is likely to occupy the starting number nine role in a false nine profile. Lucas Stassin (Saint-Étienne) remains a selectable depth option, capable of holding up the ball with his back to goal and using his speed.
Regarding Fernandez-Pardo, former Club Brugge chief Vincent Mannaert added: “We are very happy with his choice. He is a talented striker with many qualities and enormous potential. We had constructive exchanges in recent weeks, and we especially appreciate the maturity and clarity with which he made this decision. We wish him great success in his international career.”
