Nigeria: Lukaku marks Belgium return with late goal in win over Croatia
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
Romelu Lukaku scored on his first international appearance in more than a year as Belgium defeated Croatia 2-0 in a World Cup warm-up friendly at the Rujevica Stadium in Rijeka on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
The Napoli forward came off the bench in the second half and netted in stoppage time to seal victory for the Red Devils, who are fine-tuning their preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lukaku, 33, had been absent from the national team since September 2025 due to a hip injury that limited him to just 64 minutes of club football this season. His 96th-minute strike took his international tally to 90 goals and provided a timely boost ahead of Belgium’s tournament opener against Egypt on June 15.
Coach Rudi Garcia started Atalanta midfielder Charles De Ketelaere in the attacking role, keeping Lukaku on the bench for much of the match. The decision paid off as Lukaku made an immediate impact when introduced late on.
Belgium led 1-0 at halftime thanks to a 38th-minute effort from Aston Villa playmaker Youri Tielemans. The goal came after sustained pressure from the Red Devils, who controlled much of the first half against a Croatia side missing several key players to injury.
Croatia’s best chance before the break fell to captain Luka Modric, who wore a protective mask due to injury. Modric’s shot just before halftime was saved, and Osasuna striker Ante Budimir came even closer near the hour mark, striking the crossbar.
For Croatia, World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, the match was part of their final preparations before the tournament. They will host Slovenia on Sunday before kicking off their World Cup campaign against England on June 17.
Belgium will continue their build-up with another friendly against Tunisia on Saturday. Garcia will be encouraged by Lukaku’s return to fitness and scoring form, as the Red Devils look to make a deep run in the upcoming World Cup.
