Will Rijeka expose the Red Devils' weaknesses? Prediction for Croatia vs Belgium - 02.06.2026
One of Tuesday’s friendlies will take place at the Rijeka stadium, where Croatia will host Belgium. Zlatko Dalic’s squad continues their home preparations for the World Cup, while Belgium under Rudi Garcia will test whether their unbeaten streak can withstand a clash with top-tier opposition.
Croatia: Dalic is rebuilding the system but not lowering the bar
Croatia is gearing up for World Cup 2026 at home and doing so without any sense of a casual friendly. In March, the Vatreni already tested themselves against South American opposition: defeating Colombia 2-1, but falling to Brazil 1-3, gaining valuable material for tactical tweaks ahead of the tournament.
The main tactical intrigue is a shift to a three-center-back system. Dalic has already experimented with this setup, and the trio of Gvardiol – Pongracic – Vuskovic offers an intriguing blend of pedigree, grit, and youthful hunger. Meanwhile, Modric, even after a facial injury, remains the heartbeat of the team, orchestrating tempo and control around him.
Belgium: an impressive run, but the defense is still walking a tightrope
Belgium is unbeaten in 11 consecutive matches, and under Rudi Garcia, the team looks more composed than in the waning months of the previous regime. Seven wins and four draws provide a solid foundation ahead of the World Cup, with clashes against Croatia and Tunisia set to provide the final tune-up before the main event.
But behind the results lurks a problem that’s hard to ignore: Belgium’s defense too often gives opponents space to breathe. The team conceded against Wales, struggled with North Macedonia and Kazakhstan, and in recent friendlies drew 1-1 with Mexico and won 5-2 against the USA. Against Croatia, such gaps between the lines could prove very costly.
Probable line-ups
- Croatia: Livakovic, Gvardiol, Pongracic, Vuskovic, Perisic, Modric, Kovacic, Stanisic, Baturina, Budimir, Kramaric.
- Belgium: Courtois, Meunier, De Winter, Theate, De Keyper, Tielemans, Onana, Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Doku, Lukaku.
Interesting facts and head-to-head
- Croatia has lost only once at home in the past three years, with eight wins and a 1-1 draw against Portugal.
- Belgium is unbeaten in 11 consecutive matches: seven wins and four draws.
- In the last five head-to-head meetings, Croatia has only one victory against Belgium, with two draws and two defeats.
Prediction
Croatia traditionally plays with remarkable intensity and commitment at home, and the Rijeka match should serve not just as a warm-up, but as a real test of their new system in front of their fans. Dalic will be keen to see how his three central defenders cope with Belgium’s tempo, but even more crucial—how his side attacks the spaces behind the visitors’ wing-backs.
Belgium brings a strong squad and a formidable unbeaten streak, but their defensive frailties are all too apparent. If Croatia aggressively exploits set pieces, second balls, and the movement of Budimir and Kramaric, the hosts have a real shot at exposing the Red Devils’ weak spots.
