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Belgium Defeats Croatia 2-0 in Pre-Tournament Warm-up

6/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Belgium beat Croatia 2–0 at Stadion HNK Rijeka on June 2, 2026.
Romelu Lukaku scored after a Hans Vanaken assist.
Axel Witsel replaced Nicolas Raskin, after which six minutes were added.
Both teams used the match as a warm-up while Croatia will open Group L against England on June 17, 2026, as Belgium is in Group G.
It aired on Fubo Sports Network (U.S.), Nova TV (Croatia) and RTBF Auvio (Belgium).

History

Historical Context

In 1998 Belgium drew 2-2 with Mexico in Group E and missed the knockout stage, a setback after earlier highs such as the 1986 fourth-place finish. Decades later the side opened Group G at the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Croatia, highlighted by Romelu Lukaku’s goal, signalling a revived global competitiveness.

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Story summary

Belgium beat Croatia 2–0 at Stadion HNK Rijeka on June 2, 2026.
Romelu Lukaku scored after a Hans Vanaken assist.
Axel Witsel replaced Nicolas Raskin, after which six minutes were added.
Both teams used the match as a warm-up while Croatia will open Group L against England on June 17, 2026, as Belgium is in Group G.
It aired on Fubo Sports Network (U.S.), Nova TV (Croatia) and RTBF Auvio (Belgium).

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