Lukaku’s Return and Late Drama

Belgium’s attack was the story of the game, with Lukaku—now Belgium’s all-time leading scorer with 89 goals—delivering a crucial performance. His 90+6th-minute winner capped a hard-fought performance from a team that had struggled to find rhythm against Croatia’s organized defense.

The goal came after Belgium had already taken the lead through a well-worked set-piece in the 45th minute. While the exact scorer of the first goal remains unverified in available sources, the victory was enough to satisfy Belgium manager Rudi Garcia, who has been experimenting with tactical adjustments ahead of the World Cup.

Lukaku’s dramatic late winner secures Belgium’s 2-0 victory over Croatia.

Tactical Experimentation Pays Off

Garcia’s decision to deploy a three-man defense in this match appeared to pay dividends, with Belgium’s midfield and attack dictating play for extended periods. The system, which has drawn criticism from some players like Marc Degryse, seems to have worked tactically against Croatia’s possession-heavy approach.

Tactical Experimentation Pays Off
Marc Degryse Belgium match analysis

Thibaut Courtois, Belgium’s veteran goalkeeper, was a standout performer, making several crucial saves that frustrated Croatia’s attack. In a post-match interview, Courtois laughed off a controversial moment when he gave a middle finger to an unhappy Luka Modric after a save, calling the Croatian captain “not so happy” about the decision.

Key Takeaways from the Match

  • Lukaku’s Return: The Inter Milan striker’s goal extended his Belgium record to 89 goals, surpassing Eden Hazard’s previous mark of 33. His physical presence and link-up play were immediately noticeable.
  • Tactical Flexibility: Garcia’s three-man defense experiment appears to have worked against a top-tier opponent, suggesting Belgium may continue refining this approach in upcoming friendlies.
  • Mental Boost: The victory comes at a crucial time for Belgium, who have faced criticism for inconsistent form in recent friendlies. This result should provide confidence ahead of their World Cup campaign.
  • Injury Concerns: While no major injuries were reported, Belgium will need to monitor fitness levels as they approach the World Cup. The match served as a good opportunity to assess squad depth.

What So for the 2026 World Cup

Belgium enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites, but their path to the final will require consistency and tactical discipline. This victory over Croatia—who reached the 2022 World Cup final—demonstrates that Belgium can still compete at the highest level when all elements come together.

Romelu Lukaku scores a goal to lift Belgium to win vs. Croatia | Highlights | ESPN FC

The Red Devils will need to build on this momentum in their next friendly, with their next scheduled match against [opponent and date to be confirmed—see below for next checkpoint]. The 2026 World Cup group stage begins on June 11, 2026, with Belgium’s first match scheduled for [venue and time to be confirmed].

Looking Ahead: Belgium’s 2026 World Cup Preparation

While this result is encouraging, Belgium cannot afford to become complacent. Their next major test will come in [next confirmed friendly match], where they will likely look to further refine their tactical approach. The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded 48-team format, meaning every point in the group stage will be crucial for progression.

For now, Lukaku’s goal and Belgium’s tactical resilience provide a strong foundation as they prepare for one of the most competitive World Cups in history.