Juventus forward Lois Openda has been surprisingly omitted from Belgium’s final squad for the upcoming World Cup, according to reports from TuttoSport. The decision, made by national team manager Rudi Garcia, comes amid a significant downturn in form for the 23-year-old since his move to Turin.
Openda joined Juventus from RB Leipzig on an obligation to buy deal worth over €40 million, but has struggled to make an impact. He has scored only two goals this season and has seen limited playing time, featuring for just five minutes in his last ten appearances. Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has reportedly attempted to motivate the player, even resorting to stern talks, but without success.
Garcia explained his decision, stating that choosing a squad of 26 players inevitably means leaving out deserving individuals. He specifically highlighted the strong season enjoyed by Penders with Strasbourg, and emphasized Openda’s lack of recent game time. Garcia also opted to include Romelu Lukaku in the squad despite the striker’s ongoing fitness concerns, suggesting a preference for players with some level of match rhythm.
Prior to his transfer to Juventus, Openda was a regular feature in the Belgian national team, often starting or appearing as a key substitute. His current situation represents a stark contrast to his prolific form at Leipzig, where he established himself as a consistent goalscorer. The exclusion from the World Cup squad is a further indication of his struggles to adapt to Italian football.
The Belgian squad includes five Serie A players: De Winter, De Bruyne, De Ketelaere, Lukaku and Saelemaekers. This omission for Openda could impact his future at Juventus, as the club considers the substantial investment made in his services.
