Lukaku scores as Belgium beats Croatia 2-0 in friendly

Romelu Lukaku marked his return to international football with a goal as Belgium secured a 2-0 victory over Croatia in a World Cup warm-up friendly in Rijeka on Tuesday. The match served as a final preparatory fixture for both nations ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Lukaku, making his first appearance for Belgium since September 2025 after recovering from a hamstring injury, scored in the 96th minute. The 33-year-old Napoli forward, who has played only 64 minutes for his club this season, now has 90 international goals. Belgium captain Youri Tielemans had opened the scoring in the 38th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to give his side a first-half lead.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia started Lukaku on the bench, with Atalanta's Charles De Ketelaere initially leading the attack. Lukaku entered the match as a substitute in the final 18 minutes. After the match, Tielemans described the striker's return as ideal for both the player and the team, adding that his sharpness and mentality were positive signs for the upcoming tournament.

Croatia, the 2022 World Cup semifinalists, fielded a strong side that included captain Luka Modric, who wore a protective mask following a facial...