7M - International Friendly Preview: Croatia vs Belgium - prediction, team news, lineups

Two of European football's ultimate title-chasers will face each other on Tuesday night as Croatia host Belgium at the Stadion Rujevica in an international friendly. Both nations are intensifying their strategic preparations ahead of the upcoming World Cup in North America, following several agonising near-misses on the international stage.

Match Preview

Regularly featuring on the podium but never quite capturing the final prize, Croatia head across the Atlantic carrying a record of two silver medals and one bronze from major competitions over the past eight years. Zlatko Dalic continues to steer the national team after orchestrating a nearly flawless qualifying run for the 2026 World Cup, which yielded seven victories and a lone draw from eight matches.

Although a recent defeat to Carlo Ancelotti's team halted Croatia's nine-match unbeaten streak and four-game winning run across all formats, Dalic's side has shown remarkable bounce-back capability, having not suffered back-to-back losses since October 2023 against Wales and Turkey. To counter their opponents on Tuesday, Dalic is expected to implement a robust defensive system, utilizing a modern three-man central unit designed to insulate their penalty area and restrict spaces.

Belgium, conversely, are adjusting to life under Rudi Garcia as they attempt to banish the memories of a group-stage exit at Qatar 2022 and a round-of-16 departure at Euro 2024. While the current management has had a steady start, the team showcased their offensive variety in March with a comprehensive 5-2 friendly win over the USA, followed by a tactical 1-1 draw against Mexico.

The Red Devils enter this fixture on an 11-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, powered by an explosive attacking lineup that has racked up 38 goals during this stretch, albeit with some coming against lower-tier teams like Liechtenstein. Furthermore, history provides some psychological edge for the visitors; Belgium have avoided defeat in their last four encounters with Croatia, with Croatia's most recent triumph in this fixture dating back to a 2010 friendly secured by a Niko Kranjcar strike.

Team News

Despite persistent questions regarding his longevity, 40-year-old captain Luka Modric will wear the armband for Croatia this summer and sits just four matches short of reaching a milestone 200 caps for his country. Modric forms a seasoned core alongside fellow centurions Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic, and Andrej Kramaric. While Kramaric has spent months managing an adductor issue, team management has dismissed major fitness concerns. Tactically, Dalic has verified his intent to field a back three against the Belgians, a system likely to pair Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol with Tottenham Hotspur prospect Luka Vuskovic.

Belgium possess a similar level of veteran presence with four centurions of their own in Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, and Thibaut Courtois. However, selection difficulties persist up front. Lukaku, who missed notable chances against Croatia at the 2022 World Cup, was limited to just seven club appearances for Napoli this past season and has been sidelined since March with a muscular injury, opening the door for the uncapped Matias Fernandez-Pardo to potentially earn a full senior debut. Sporting Lisbon defender Zeno Debast is available despite a recent thigh problem, but Arsenal's Leandro Trossard is unlikely to be rushed into the match squad so soon after competing in the Champions League final.

Possible Starting Lineups

Croatia possible starting lineup: 

Livakovic; Pongracic, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Stanisic, Modric, M. Pasalic, Perisic; Kramaric, Baturina; Budimir 

Belgium possible starting lineup:

Courtois; Castagne, De Winter, Theate, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Witsel; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Doku; Fernandez-Pardo

Prediction: Croatia 1-1 Belgium

Belgium's recent high-scoring record could face a stern test against Croatia's planned three-man central defensive block, particularly with Lukaku lacking match fitness and De Bruyne coming off a disrupted domestic campaign. With both managers desperate to avoid picking up late injuries right before the World Cup journey begins, a tightly contested, low-risk draw appears the most probable outcome.