RIJEKA, June 3 (HS): Belgium registered an impressive 2-0 victory over hosts Croatia in an international friendly on Tuesday as part of their preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Belgium's star striker Romelu Lukaku marked his return to the national team by scoring his record-extending 90th international goal. It was his first appearance for Belgium in the past 12 months.

Belgium took the lead through captain Youri Tielemans in the 38th minute. Capitalising on a defensive error by Croatia, Tielemans found the net from close range after an excellent attacking move initiated by Jérémy Doku.

Both sides made several changes after the break. Belgium introduced eight players, while Croatia made 10 substitutions. Lukaku was brought on for the final 18 minutes and made an immediate impact, scoring with a powerful strike during Belgium’s last attacking move of the match.

The 33-year-old striker is making a comeback after a disappointing season at Napoli, where he struggled to secure a regular place in the starting lineup and also battled a hamstring injury.

Belgium's Hans Vanaken came close to extending the lead in the second half, but his header struck the crossbar. For Croatia, Ante Budimir and Luka Modrić were unable to convert their chances.

Croatia will next face the Slovenia national football team in another warm-up fixture, while Belgium are set to take on the Tunisia national football team.

At the FIFA World Cup 2026, Belgium will begin their campaign against the Egypt national football team on June 15, while Croatia will open their tournament against the England national football team on June 17.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar