Belgium have found stability under Rudi Garcia and netted an absurd number of goals in the qualifiers. Croatia also carry high scoring potential, so I am backing both sides to score in Rijeka.
Key Stats
- Croatia have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in their last 4 matches.
- Belgium have seen over 3.5 goals in 3 of their last 5 matches.
H2H Stats are Tied
This is going to be the 10th head to head meeting between Croatia and Belgium, both sides claiming three victories each with three draws.
Blazers Cruised Through Qualifiers
Croatia once again had fantastic results in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, topping Group L with 22 out of possible 24 points ahead of the Czech Republic, Faroe Islands, Montenegro and Gibraltar, maintaining stunning 26-4 goal difference.
The Blazers started 2026 with a 2-1 victory against Colombia on a neutral court in Orlando, Luka Vuskovic and Igor Matanovic finding the net in the first half. Their defensive performance was far from great here though, allowing 14 shots and 2.07 xG.
The second test game was much tougher, suffering a 3-1 defeat against Brazil. The score was tied at 1-1 all until the 88th minute when Croatian back line collapsed twice. Lovro Majer was the sole scorer.
Belgium Look Revitalized Under Garcia
Belgium also claimed their spot at the World Cup 2026 directly through qualifiers, topping Group J ahead of Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Lichtenstein, claiming five wins and three draws.
The Red Devils also looked solid in their friendlies in 2026 so far, outplaying the United States 5-2, Dodi Lukebakio starring here by netting a brace. They had 2.34 xG and 21 shots here (10 on target).
A couple of days later, they also locked horns against Mexico on the US soil, Lukebakio appearing on the scoresheet once again, the match ending in a 1-1 draw.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Croatia (3-4-2-1) Dominik Livakovic; Marin Pongracic, Luka Vuskovic, Josko Gvardiol; Josip Stanisic, Luka Modric, Mario Pasalic, Ivan Perisic; Andrej Kramaric, Martin Baturina; Ante Budimir
Andrej Kramaric recently recovered from an adductor injury and is likely to start on bench. Luka Modric is currently at 196 appearances for the national team, scoring 28 goals.
Andrej Kramaric recently recovered from an adductor injury and is likely to start on bench. Luka Modric is currently at 196 appearances for the national team, scoring 28 goals.
Belgium (4-2-3-1) Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Koni De Winter, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper; Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel; Alexis Saelemaekers, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku; Matias Fernandez-Pardo
Zeno Debast and Romelu Lukaku are going to miss this match due to injuries. Leandro Trossard will also be sidelined to recover from exhausting Champions League finals he played for Arsenal.
Zeno Debast and Romelu Lukaku are going to miss this match due to injuries. Leandro Trossard will also be sidelined to recover from exhausting Champions League finals he played for Arsenal.