Lukaku's five-touch miracle sets World Cup record at Qatar 2026

Romelu Lukaku scored and then set up a second goal against New Zealand with only five touches in total, becoming the first player since 1966 to record two goal involvements in so few touches at a FIFA World Cup. The Belgian striker's impact came in the group match that left Belgium atop its pool. His goal arrived when he smashed Nicolas Raskin's cross into the net for the 1‑4 lead, marking Lukaku's second ball of the match. Earlier, his first touch had already shifted the play to the right, initiating the same attacking sequence. Lukaku entered the field for roughly the final ten minutes of the game, yet he handled only five balls during his time on the pitch. The limited number of touches underscores the typical "Big Rom" role of maximizing impact with minimal involvement. Opta's Belgian‑Dutch branch, Opta Johan, confirmed that Lukaku became the inaugural player to be involved in two goals with just five touches in a World Cup fixture, a record dating back to the statistical archives that began in 1966. No other player has matched this efficiency in the tournament's history.

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The match also delivered Lukaku's 91st tally for the Belgian national side, cementing his status as the country's all‑time leading scorer. This milestone places him firmly at the summit of Belgium's scoring charts. With 91 goals, Lukaku now sits only four strikes behind Indian forward Sunil Chhetri, who concluded his international career in 2025. Chhetri's retirement left his record untouched, highlighting Lukaku's proximity to the global benchmark.

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Arriving at the 2026 World Cup in modest form, Lukaku started the opening group game versus Iran and was later introduced against Egypt and New Zealand, influencing each encounter decisively. His contributions suggest a resurgence despite earlier concerns about his performance level. Belgium will look to rely on Lukaku's efficiency as the tournament progresses, hoping his rare touch‑to‑goal ratio can continue to shape their knockout ambitions. The striker's unique statistical footprint adds a new dimension to the team's tactical options.