The Croatia vs Belgium match is scheduled for Tuesday, 2 June 2026, at Stadion HNK Rijeka in Rijeka, Croatia. This International Friendly serves as the first of two home warm-up games for Croatia ahead of their trip to the 2026 World Cup in the United States. No referee details have been confirmed yet for the fixture.
Both teams are treating the game as serious preparation. Croatia will look to bounce back from their recent 3-1 loss to Brazil, while Belgium aim to extend an 11-game unbeaten run and improve on their 2022 group-stage exit.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
This Croatia vs Belgium prediction today offers several value angles for bettors. Recent form, home advantage and tactical match-ups all point toward an open and competitive encounter. Our croatia vs belgium match prediction is built on concrete data rather than general impressions. Squad rotation and key player availability will heavily influence the final result. The croatia vs belgium betting tips below highlight the most important trends to watch.
Croatia Results
Croatia head into this friendly eager to restore confidence on home soil after a heavy defeat. Zlatko Dalić’s side have been strong in World Cup qualifying and treat these pre-tournament games with high seriousness. They boast an exceptional record at Stadion HNK Rijeka and will be motivated to avoid consecutive friendly losses for the first time since 2006.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 01.04.26 | FI | Brazil vs Croatia | 3-1 | L |
| 27.03.26 | FI | Colombia vs Croatia | 1-2 | W |
| 17.11.25 | WC | Montenegro vs Croatia | 2-3 | W |
| 14.11.25 | WC | Croatia vs Faroe Islands | 3-1 | W |
| 12.10.25 | WC | Croatia vs Gibraltar | 3-0 | W |
Croatia have won four of their last five matches across competitions. Their attacking output remains consistent, especially against mid-tier opponents. The single loss to Brazil exposed defensive issues against elite pressing. Home support at this compact venue has historically boosted their performance. Overall the results underline a team that is difficult to beat when motivated in front of their fans.
Belgium Results
Belgium arrive as slight favourites and one of Europe’s most in-form sides. Rudi Garcia has selected a full-strength 26-man squad packed with household names. The Red Devils view these friendlies as vital steps toward bettering their 2022 World Cup showing.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 01.04.26 | FI | Mexico vs Belgium | 1-1 | D |
| 28.03.26 | FI | USA vs Belgium | 2-5 | W |
| 18.11.25 | WC | Belgium vs Liechtenstein | 7-0 | W |
| 15.11.25 | WC | Kazakhstan vs Belgium | 1-1 | D |
| 13.10.25 | WC | Wales vs Belgium | 2-4 | W |
Belgium have been highly prolific, scoring four or more goals in six of their last nine matches. Their away friendlies have produced three draws in the last four games even when favoured. Squad depth allows effective rotation without major quality drops. The 11-game unbeaten run (W7 D4) gives them strong psychological momentum. This sequence shows a team capable of dominating most opponents but occasionally dropping points on the road.
Croatia vs Belgium Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
The two nations have met regularly in both competitive and friendly fixtures over the past 15 years. Belgium hold an unbeaten record in the last four encounters. Friendlies between them have historically been tight and low-scoring.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 01.12.22 | WC | Croatia vs Belgium | 0-0 |
| 06.06.21 | FI | Belgium vs Croatia | 1-0 |
| 11.10.13 | WC | Croatia vs Belgium | 1-2 |
| 11.09.12 | WC | Belgium vs Croatia | 1-1 |
| 03.03.10 | FI | Belgium vs Croatia | 0-1 |
The head-to-head record is perfectly balanced overall with three wins each and three draws. Belgium’s recent dominance makes them tough to beat, yet Croatia have shown they can compete evenly on home territory.
Predicted Lineups – Croatia vs Belgium
Here are the most likely starting lineups for the Croatia vs Belgium International Friendly on 2 June 2026. These predictions are based on the latest squad selections, training reports and the tactical systems typically used by Zlatko Dalić and Rudi Garcia. Friendlies often feature rotation, so final XIs may still change.
Croatia Predicted Starting XI:
Livakovic D. (GK), Stanisic J. (DF), Sutalo J. (DF), Vuskovic L. (DF), Caleta-Car D. (DF), Perisic I. (MF), Kramaric A. (FW), Modric L. (MF), Sucic P. (MF), Baturina M. (MF), Budimir A. (FW)

Belgium Predicted Starting XI:
Sels M. (GK), Castagne T. (DF), De Winter K. (DF), Ngoy N. (DF), De Cuyper M. (DF), Tielemans Y. (MF), Witsel A. (MF), Lukebakio D. (FW), De Bruyne K. (MF), Godts M. (MF), Openda L. (FW)

Injured And Questionable Players
Team news for this pre-World Cup friendly remains relatively clean, but a few key names carry fitness doubts or question marks over their starting involvement.
| Team | Player | Status / Reason |
| Croatia | Luka Modrić | Questionable (training with face mask) |
| Belgium | Romelu Lukaku | Questionable (described as ‘out of shape’) |
| Croatia | Josko Gvardiol | Doubtful (minor muscle concern) |
| Belgium | Amadou Onana | Not selected for the squad |
| Croatia | Marcelo Brozović | Unavailable (club recovery) |
Key Factors and Team News to Watch
Several critical elements will shape the outcome of this pre-World Cup friendly. Coaches will balance experimentation with the desire for positive results and player fitness. The following points deserve close attention:
- Ivan Perišić has directly contributed to ten goals in his last 12 internationals for Croatia.
- Luka Modrić is training with a face mask and could miss the starting XI.
- Romelu Lukaku was selected despite being described as “out of shape” by manager Rudi Garcia.
- Croatia have seen both teams score and over 2.5 goals in each of their last four matches.
- Belgium have scored 4+ goals in six of their last nine games.
- The hosts have failed to score in just two of their last 18 friendly internationals.
- Belgium remain unbeaten in 11 matches since early 2025.
- Croatia are unbeaten in 10 games at Stadion HNK Rijeka (W8 D2).
- Belgium have drawn three of their last four away friendlies as favourites.
- The small, atmospheric venue may reduce Belgium’s usual technical edge.
Free Tips on Croatia vs Belgium
This section offers free tips focused on the upcoming Croatia vs Belgium friendly international. Since this match is part of the important pre-World Cup preparation for both sides, certain long-term trends and match-specific conditions should be taken into account. These tips are designed to help you better understand the dynamics of the game.
- Croatia have consistently shown stronger performances in home friendlies, benefiting greatly from familiar conditions and supporter backing.
- Historical head-to-head statistics between these two teams indicate a pattern of tight, hard-fought encounters with few goals.
- With the 2026 World Cup approaching rapidly, squad rotation and player management will likely be priorities for both managers.
- The compact nature of Stadion HNK Rijeka and its passionate atmosphere can provide Croatia with a noticeable home advantage against technically superior opponents.
- The well-maintained natural grass pitch in early June typically supports quick, technical football that rewards disciplined midfield organisation over raw individual talent.
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Croatia vs Belgium Prediction 2025
Croatia vs Belgium odds reflect a very tight contest with little separating the sides. Croatia’s near-perfect home record in Rijeka, combined with their strong friendly scoring streak, gives them a slight edge in motivation and familiarity. Belgium’s superior squad depth and recent goal-scoring form mean they will create plenty of chances, yet their away record shows a tendency to settle for draws even when favoured. The likely absence of Modrić may open midfield spaces that Perišić can exploit, while Belgium’s attacking threats remain dangerous on the counter. We expect an open, end-to-end game typical of pre-tournament friendlies where both coaches encourage forward play rather than ultra-defensive setups. The combination of Croatia’s home advantage and Belgium’s attacking firepower points to a match with goals at both ends. This friendly has the ingredients for an entertaining evening where tactical execution and individual quality will prove decisive.
Our Prediction: Croatia 2-1 Belgium
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Croatia win | 2.56 |
| Both Teams To Score | Yes | 1.61 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 1.79 |
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