Belgium defeated Croatia 2-0 in an international friendly on June 2, 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Why it matters: This match was a final tune-up for both teams before the World Cup, allowing coaches to test strategies and player fitness.
Belgium showcased its strength against Croatia, a fellow World Cup contender, asserting confidence before the tournament.
The match highlighted Belgium's intent to improve on their previous World Cup performance, where they failed to advance past the group stage in 2022.
Driving the news: The friendly took place at Stadion HNK Rijeka, where Belgium's Youri Tielemans opened the scoring in the 38th minute.
Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory with a goal in stoppage time, marking his return to form after recent challenges.
Both teams made nearly ten substitutions, prioritizing player health over tactical consistency.
State of play: Belgium and Croatia fielded altered lineups, with both coaches opting to rest key players.
Belgium's lineup featured stars like Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne, but also included younger talents like Jérémy Doku and Matías Fernández-Pardo.
Croatia's squad included veterans such as Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic, who are expected to play key roles in the World Cup.
The big picture: The friendly was part of the final preparations for both teams ahead of the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Bélgica is in Group G alongside Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand, aiming for a strong start against Egypt on June 15.
Croatia competes in Group L with England, Ghana, and Panama, beginning their campaign against England on June 17.
What they're saying: Coaches expressed satisfaction with their teams' performances, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fitness.
Rudi Garcia, Belgium's coach, noted the need to balance experience and youth in their squad.
Zlatko Dalic, Croatia's coach, highlighted the importance of avoiding injuries during this preparatory phase.
By the numbers: The match featured several key statistics that underline the competitive nature of both teams.
Belgium had 54% possession and recorded 12 shots, with 5 on target, compared to Croatia's 46% possession and 8 shots, with 3 on target.
Both teams completed over 80% of their passes, indicating a focus on maintaining control throughout the match.
What's next: Both teams will finalize their preparations ahead of the World Cup, with an eye on their respective opening matches.
Bélgica will face Egypt in Seattle on June 15, aiming to secure a solid start in Group G.
Croatia will take on England in Dallas on June 17, looking to capitalize on their previous World Cup success.