Croatia vs Belgium LIVE: Second half underway! International friendly before 2026 World Cup (0-1)

The first yellow card actually came right before halftime, we note a booking for Baturina, who went into the referee’s book in the final moments of the first half.

Croatia and Belgium return from the break, with Belgium holding the 1–0 lead after Youri Tielemans’ strike. The rhythm picks up immediately as both teams look to set the tone for the final 45 minutes.

Luka Modric is playing this friendly with a protective face mask as he continues to recover from a double cheekbone fracture suffered in a Serie A clash against Juventus. The Real Madrid star underwent surgery and is still taking precautions, making this only his second appearance since the injury.

Shots: Croatia 2, Belgium 4

Shots on target: Croatia 1, Belgium 3

Possession: Croatia 53%, Belgium 47%

Youri Tielemans' goal after 37' is giving Belgium the lead.

Croatia settle into possession again, dictating the tempo as they move the ball with confidence.

A sharp, quick combination from Croatia — with Kovacic orchestrating inside the box, nearly breaks through, but Tielemans steps in at the last moment to stop the danger for Belgium.

Croatia take their time playing out from the back, showing no urgency and no real discomfort against Belgium’s press, moving the ball with confidence as they advance.

Croatia circulate possession calmly, with Modric and Kovacic constantly dropping in to offer passing lanes for the center‑backs and keep the buildup steady.

Croatia’s pressure pays off once more, making it difficult for Belgium to build cleanly from the back and forcing rushed passes in their own half.

Ngoy reads the play perfectly and intercepts Gvardiol’s pass, cutting off Croatia’s attacking move and turning possession back Belgium’s way.

Modric carries the ball all the way from his own half with no pressure, gliding forward before slipping it to Musa, whose first‑time strike is poor and sails wide.

Doku cuts inside and tries his luck from the edge of the box, but Livaković holds it comfortably for Croatia.

Courtois is immediately closed down as the ball reaches him, leaving the goalkeeper with no choice but to clear it first‑time to avoid trouble.

Belgium enjoy an extended stretch on the ball, but they’re still struggling to break through Croatia’s compact defensive shape.

Belgium look to build from deep, but Croatia push up with very aggressive pressure, forcing the visitors to move the ball quickly.

Croatia control the first meaningful possession of the match, working a long passing sequence before Ngoy steps in to break it up.

The international friendly between Croatia and Belgium is underway at Stadion HNK Rijeka.

Both teams are lined up for the pre‑match protocol at Stadion HNK Rijeka. The atmosphere is building as Croatia and Belgium prepare for kickoff.

Belgium will play two international friendlies before making their 2026 World Cup debut:

• June 2 (today) vs Croatia

• June 6 vs Tunisia

Croatia will also play two international friendlies ahead of their 2026 World Cup opener:

• June 2 (today) vs Belgium

• June 7 vs Slovenia

Belgium: The Belgian national team is placed in Group G alongside Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand.

Croatia: The Croatian national team is placed in Group L together with Ghana, England, and Panama.

Players from both sides are out on the pitch at Stadion HNK Rijeka going through their warm‑up routines as we get closer to kickoff.

The match will be officiated by Rade Obrenovič, appointed to lead the crew for this international friendly at Stadion HNK Rijeka.

Full officiating team:

Referee: Rade Obrenovič (SVN)

Assistant Referees: Jure Praprotnik (SVN), Grega Kordež (SVN)

Fourth Official: Ante Čulina (CRO)

Today’s action takes place at Stadion HNK Rijeka in Croatia. With a modern design and an intimate atmosphere overlooking the Adriatic coast, it offers a strong home setting for Croatia as both teams continue their preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Belgium’s starting XI: Thibaut Courtois; Maxim de Cuyper, Arthur Theate, Nathan Ngoy; Alexis Saelemaekers, Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, Nicolas Raskin; Kevin De Bruyne (C), Jeremy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere.

Croatia’s starting XI: Dominik Livaković; Josip Stanišić, Josko Gvardiol, Luka Vušković, Josip Šutalo; Luka Modrić (C), Mateo Kovačić, Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina; Ivan Perišić, Petar Musa.

The match between Croatia and Belgium is scheduled to start at 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Stadion HNK Rijeka in Croatia.

In the United States, the game will be available via live streaming on Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, Fubo, and ViX.

Welcome to our live blog! This time, Croatia host Belgium in an international friendly as both teams continue their preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Stay with us for all the action and minute‑by‑minute updates of this matchup at Stadion HNK Rijeka.