Two teams with the potential to be World Cup dark horses clash in an international friendly at Stadion HNK Rijeka as Croatia host Belgium on Tuesday. Both sides are packed with talent, and they will be looking forward to showcasing their abilities in the coming weeks.
This is part of a double-header of farewell matches for Croatia, as they will make their way to North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the next encounter against Slovenia on 7 June at the Stadion Andjelko Herjavec.
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At the showpiece event, Luka Modric’s men will be in Group L alongside England, Panama, and Ghana.
In March and April this year, Vatreni took on a pair of South American opponents in international friendlies, and they recorded a 2-1 win over Colombia before losing 3-1 to Brazil.
Now, they face another world-class team, and the experience will be great for both sides heading into a busy few weeks of international football.
Belgium are often touted as outsiders to win European Championships and even World Cups, and while most of their golden generation of players are no longer in the team, they are still a formidable force.
The Red Devils will play another friendly against Tunisia on 6 June before the World Cup begins, and they will then have to deal with Group G opponents Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand.
Coming into this match, Belgium have been on a mixed run of results against World Cup co-hosts, defeating the USA 5-2 in March before drawing 1-1 with Mexico in April.
Croatia vs Belgium head-to-head stats and key numbers
- Belgium and Croatia have played each other nine times, and their head-to-head record is exactly even, with three wins each and three draws.
- The last time they faced off was at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar in a group-stage match that ended goalless.
- In terms of their respective FIFA rankings, Belgium are ranked ninth in the world, while Croatia are in 11th place.
- Croatia’s World Cup record is incredible, having qualified for seven editions since gaining independence. They have been in the medal positions at three tournaments, finishing as runners-up in 2018 and taking third place in 1998 and 2022.
Croatia vs Belgium prediction
Under Rudi Garcia, Belgium have been focused on improving their defensive discipline, and they are incredibly effective on the counterattack. In contrast, Croatia often dominate the midfield, dictating the tempo and controlling possession.
Both teams will be keen to perform at a high level, but the players will also be aware that any injuries at this stage will threaten their World Cup ambitions.
We expect this match to end in a low-scoring draw.
Prediction: Croatia 1-1 Belgium
Croatia vs Belgium betting tips
Tip 1: Draw
Tip 2: to score
Tip 3: Under 2.5 goals
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli