2026 World Cup: Why Romeo Lavia Is Still Eligible To Play for Ghana Despite Belgium Snub
- Chelsea midfielder Roméo Lavia remains eligible to represent Ghana after being overlooked in Belgium’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- The highly rated 22-year-old still has the option of playing for the Black Stars despite his involvement with Belgium at youth level
- Although recurring injuries have slowed his development, Lavia’s immense quality and potential have never been questioned
- A CAF-accredited journalist explained how the anchorman will be a 'perfect' fit for the Black Stars midfield
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Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia unveiled his 26-man squad on Friday, May 15, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Romeo Lavia conspicuously missing out.
The promising Chelsea star may have been left out of the final list for the global showpiece, but interestingly, he still has a potential route to football’s biggest stage through Ghana.
Source: Getty Images
Belgium snubs Lavia in 2026 WC squad
Several experienced names from Belgium’s golden generation remain part of the setup, including Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, and Thibaut Courtois.
However, one notable absentee is Lavia, whose struggles with injuries appear to have cost him a place in the squad.
Since joining the Blues in 2023, the 22-year-old has managed only 43 appearances across three seasons.
Persistent ankle, hamstring, and muscle problems have kept him sidelined for more than 600 days, severely disrupting his momentum at both club and international level, according to data from Transfermarkt.
Why Lavia is eligible to play for Ghana
Despite his involvement with Belgium’s youth teams and senior setup, Lavia remains eligible to play for Ghana under FIFA regulations.
Born in Brussels to a Ghanaian father and Congolese mother, the midfielder qualifies for three different national teams – Ghana, Belgium and DR Congo.
Source: Getty Images
Crucially, his only senior appearance for Belgium came in a friendly against Germany in March 2023.
Because he has not played a competitive senior match for Belgium, he is not permanently tied to the Red Devils.
FIFA rules allow players to switch nationality if they have not exceeded three competitive senior appearances before the age of 21 or featured at a major tournament such as the World Cup or European Championship.
That technicality keeps the door open for Ghana to make a move for one of Europe’s most highly rated young midfielders.
Lavia’s stop-start spell with injuries also limited his chances of establishing himself in Belgium’s national team.
Since his cameo against Germany, he has struggled to build consistency, which likely influenced Garcia’s decision to overlook him for the World Cup.
Still, there are encouraging signs. The former Southampton star has featured in 21 matches this season, showing gradual improvement after a frustrating period on the treatment table.
How Lavia fits into Black Stars set-up
Belgium’s decision to leave Roméo Lavia out has naturally reopened discussions about a possible international switch to Ghana.
Sharing his thoughts on what the midfielder could bring to the Black Stars, Stephen Zando of Luv FM told YEN.com.gh:
“Although the 2026 World Cup may come too soon for such a move to happen, Lavia would immediately add quality and depth to a Black Stars midfield that has often struggled whenever Thomas Partey is unavailable.
“Supporters will also point to recent examples of dual-nationality players choosing Ghana. Francis Amuzu, now playing for Grêmio, eventually switched allegiance after initially rejecting approaches from the Ghana Football Association.
“For Ghana, convincing Lavia to commit to the Black Stars would be a huge statement as the national team continues building for the future.”
Hudson-Odoi considered playing for Ghana
In another report by YEN.com.gh, Callum Hudson-Odoi had reportedly considered representing Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 26-year-old is said to have explored acquiring a Ghanaian passport after discussions on a nationality switch.
Source: YEN.com.gh
