Croatia and Belgium are set to face each other in one of the most exciting international friendlies before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both teams have experienced incredible moments over the last decade but still continue chasing their first major international trophy in modern football. Croatia reached the 2018 FIFA World Cup final and secured third place in 2022, while Belgium’s golden generation spent years among the world’s top-ranked nations but failed to convert their talent into tournament glory.
This upcoming clash in Rijeka carries much more importance than a regular friendly. Both sides are now entering the final stage of preparation before traveling to North America for the World Cup, and managers Zlatko Dalic and Rudi Garcia will use this game to test combinations, tactical systems, and player fitness. Croatia will look to bounce back after their recent defeat against Brazil, while Belgium arrive with strong momentum after remaining unbeaten in their last several matches across competitions.
The match also brings together some of Europe’s most experienced stars. Luka Modric continues leading Croatia at the age of 40, while Belgium still rely heavily on Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku despite injury concerns during the past season. With both squads carrying a mix of experienced leaders and young emerging talents, fans can expect a competitive and high-quality football match at Stadion HNK Rijeka.
Match Information
| Match | Croatia vs Belgium |
|---|---|
| Tournament | International Friendly 2026 |
| Date | 2 June 2026 |
| Time | 9:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Stadion HNK Rijeka |
| Live Streaming | Official Broadcasters & Streaming Platforms |
Current Form
Croatia Recent Form
| Opponent | Result |
|---|---|
| Brazil | Lost 1-3 |
| Colombia | Won 2-1 |
| Montenegro | Won 3-2 |
| Faroe Islands | Won 3-1 |
| Gibraltar | Won 3-0 |
Croatia have remained one of the most consistent European national teams over the last few years. Even though they lost against Brazil recently, their overall form remains strong, especially in attack where they have scored regularly in recent matches.
Belgium Recent Form
| Opponent | Result |
|---|---|
| Mexico | Drew 1-1 |
| USA | Won 5-2 |
| Liechtenstein | Won 7-0 |
| Kazakhstan | Drew 1-1 |
| Wales | Won 4-2 |
Belgium are currently enjoying an impressive unbeaten run and have looked dangerous going forward. Their attacking football under Rudi Garcia has produced plenty of goals recently.
Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 9 |
| Croatia Wins | 3 |
| Belgium Wins | 3 |
| Draws | 3 |
The rivalry between Croatia and Belgium has remained balanced over the years. Their last meeting came during the 2022 FIFA World Cup group stage, where both sides played out a tense 0-0 draw.
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Last Five H2H Results
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Dec 2022 | Croatia 0-0 Belgium |
| Jun 2021 | Belgium 1-0 Croatia |
| Oct 2013 | Croatia 1-2 Belgium |
| Sep 2012 | Belgium 1-1 Croatia |
| Mar 2010 | Belgium 0-1 Croatia |
Most recent meetings between these teams have been tight and competitive.
Expected Starting Lineups
Croatia Possible Starting XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Dominik Livakovic |
| DF | Josip Stanisic |
| DF | Luka Vuskovic |
| DF | Josko Gvardiol |
| MF | Mario Pasalic |
| MF | Luka Modric |
| MF | Petar Sucic |
| MF | Ivan Perisic |
| FW | Andrej Kramaric |
| FW | Martin Baturina |
| FW | Ante Budimir |
Croatia are expected to use a back-three defensive setup with Gvardiol leading the defense.
Belgium Possible Starting XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Thibaut Courtois |
| DF | Timothy Castagne |
| DF | Koni De Winter |
| DF | Arthur Theate |
| DF | Maxim De Cuyper |
| MF | Youri Tielemans |
| MF | Axel Witsel |
| MF | Kevin De Bruyne |
| FW | Jeremy Doku |
| FW | Charles De Ketelaere |
| FW | Matias Fernandez-Pardo |
Belgium’s attack looks dangerous again with De Bruyne creating chances behind quick wingers and forwards.
Injury Report
Croatia Injury Updates
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Andrej Kramaric | Minor concern but expected available |
| Luka Modric | Training with facial protection |
Croatia are expected to have most key players available for this match.
Belgium Injury Updates
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Romelu Lukaku | Doubtful / limited minutes possible |
| Leandro Trossard | Unlikely to start |
| Zeno Debast | Included despite recent injury |
Belgium still have a few fitness concerns heading into the game.
Key Players to Watch
Croatia
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Luka Modric | Midfield control and leadership |
| Josko Gvardiol | Defensive stability |
| Ivan Perisic | Experience and attacking threat |
Even at 40 years old, Modric remains Croatia’s heartbeat in midfield.
Belgium
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Kevin De Bruyne | Creative playmaker |
| Jeremy Doku | Pace and dribbling threat |
| Youri Tielemans | Midfield balance |
Belgium’s attacking quality remains one of their biggest strengths.
Team Stats Comparison
| Category | Croatia | Belgium |
|---|---|---|
| Last 5 Matches | 4 Wins | 3 Wins |
| Goals Scored | 12 | 18 |
| Goals Conceded | 7 | 6 |
| Unbeaten Run | Lost 1 of last 10 | Unbeaten in last 11 |
| Recent Friendly Form | W-L | W-D |
Belgium hold a slight attacking advantage statistically, while Croatia continue showing strong consistency at home.
Betting Odds
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Croatia Win | 2.60 |
| Draw | 3.40 |
| Belgium Win | 2.70 |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 1.85 |
| Both Teams To Score | 1.64 |
The bookmakers see this game as extremely balanced.
Best Betting Picks
| Market | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Match Result | Draw |
| Both Teams To Score | Yes |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 |
| Correct Score | 1-1 |
| Player To Watch | Kevin De Bruyne |
Both teams have looked dangerous in attack recently, making goals likely in this matchup.
Match Analysis
Croatia continue proving why they remain one of the most respected tournament teams in international football. Zlatko Dalic has built a side that combines tactical discipline with technical quality, and even though some key stars are aging, the squad still carries enormous experience. The emergence of younger players like Martin Baturina and Luka Vuskovic also gives Croatia fresh energy heading into the World Cup.
Belgium, meanwhile, appear to be rebuilding momentum after disappointing recent tournaments. Rudi Garcia has made the team more attacking and aggressive in transition, which has helped Belgium score goals consistently during recent matches. Kevin De Bruyne remains the creative leader, while Jeremy Doku’s pace gives Belgium another dangerous dimension in wide areas.
One of the biggest tactical battles in this game will be Croatia’s three-man defense against Belgium’s quick attacking movement. Gvardiol will likely play a major role in stopping Belgium’s transitions, while Modric’s control in midfield could decide the tempo of the match.
Croatia usually look stronger at home and rarely lose consecutive games under Dalic. Belgium, however, arrive with confidence after scoring heavily in recent friendlies and extending their unbeaten streak.
Since this is still a friendly before the World Cup, both managers may rotate players during the second half, which could open the game further and create more attacking opportunities.
Why Croatia Can Win
Home Advantage
Croatia have traditionally performed strongly in home matches and remain difficult to break down.
Midfield Experience
Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic continue bringing composure and control.
Defensive Structure
Croatia’s back-three setup could frustrate Belgium’s attack.
Why Belgium Can Win
Better Recent Momentum
Belgium are unbeaten in their last 11 matches.
Strong Attack
The Red Devils have scored 18 goals in their last five matches.
Kevin De Bruyne Factor
De Bruyne can change games instantly with his passing and creativity.
Predicted Score
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Croatia | 1 |
| Belgium | 1 |
Croatia and Belgium look evenly matched entering this international friendly. Croatia have experience, tactical discipline, and strong home support, while Belgium arrive with greater attacking momentum and confidence. Both teams are still fine-tuning their squads before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, so the match may carry a slightly cautious approach early on before opening up later in the game.
Belgium’s recent attacking form makes them dangerous, but Croatia’s defensive organization and midfield control should help them stay competitive throughout the match. With both sides carrying quality in attack and some defensive vulnerabilities during recent friendlies, goals from both teams look highly possible.
A balanced and entertaining draw appears to be the most realistic outcome.
FAQs
When is Croatia vs Belgium scheduled?
The match will be played on 2 June 2026.
Where will Croatia vs Belgium take place?
The match will be played at Stadion HNK Rijeka in Croatia.
Who is Croatia’s key player?
Luka Modric remains Croatia’s most influential player due to his leadership and midfield control.
Is Romelu Lukaku available for Belgium?
Lukaku has fitness concerns and may only play limited minutes.
What is the best betting pick for Croatia vs Belgium?
Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals are strong betting options for this match.
