Romelu Lukaku marked his comeback from a year-long injury absence by scoring in the 96th minute as Belgium defeated Croatia 2-0 in a World Cup friendly in Rijeka on Tuesday.
The Napoli forward had not played for his country since September 2025, sidelined by a hip problem that has limited him to just 64 minutes of club football this season. His goal was his 90th in international football, a landmark moment for the 33-year-old as he prepares for Belgium's World Cup opener against Egypt on June 15.
Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia started with Atalanta's Charles De Ketelaere in the attacking role, keeping Lukaku on the bench. The team took the lead before halftime through Aston Villa playmaker Youri Tielemans in the 38th minute. Real Madrid's Luka Modric, who wore a protective mask due to injury, had Croatia's best chance of the first half with a shot just before the interval, but it came to nothing.
The hosts pressed harder after the break. Osasuna striker Ante Budimir hit the crossbar near the hour mark, showing Croatia's determination to salvage something from the match. But Belgium held firm and extended their advantage deep into injury time when Lukaku finished clinically.
For Croatia, the result ended their World Cup preparations on a sour note. The 2022 semi-finalists will host Slovenia on Sunday before beginning their tournament campaign against England on June 17. Captain Modric's injury, evident from the mask he wore throughout the match, remains a concern heading into their World Cup push.
Belgium will host Tunisia on Saturday in their final warm-up before facing Egypt. Lukaku's return to match fitness and goalscoring form will give Garcia and the Belgian federation confidence as they prepare for one of football's biggest tournaments.
