Croatia vs Belgium Prediction 2 June 2026
📢 What kind of script will unfold in the friendly clash between the dark horses of the upcoming World Cup? Croatia and Belgium are widely regarded as just outside the elite, but both always set their sights on podium finishes at major tournaments. The 2026 World Cup will be no exception, but first, both squads need a proper tune-up. Their head-to-head meeting at HNK Rijeka Stadium promises to be a real test of strength for both sides.
Head-to-Head
The most recent official meeting between these sides took place on 01 December 2022 during the group stage of the 2022 World Cup and ended in a goalless draw. Here’s a comparative look at the key stats from that match, with Croatia as the designated home team:
- Possession: 50% vs 50%;
- Corners: 2 vs 4;
- Fouls: 7 vs 9;
- Yellow cards: 0 vs 1;
- Shots on target: 4 vs 3.
📊 The head-to-head history between Croatia and Belgium is quite eventful, featuring encounters in both friendlies and official competitions. Their most recent clash came at the 2022 World Cup, where they were drawn into the same group. On that occasion, neither side managed to break the deadlock, with the match ending in a goalless draw.
Head-to-head statistics Croatia - Belgium

Croatia Team Overview
⚪ Croatia have enjoyed significant success in recent years, claiming medals at each of the last two World Cups. The Vatreni finished as runners-up in 2018 and secured a third-place finish in 2022. Unsurprisingly, they breezed through qualification for the upcoming tournament, collecting 22 out of a possible 24 points to top their group with authority.
🔴 In March, Croatia tested themselves against strong South American opposition. On the 27th, they faced Colombia and edged them out 2-1, despite not having the upper hand for much of the match. A few days later, Croatia squared off against Brazil and, as expected, suffered a 1-3 defeat. Notably, both fixtures were played on neutral ground in Orlando.
Match Results: Croatia

Belgium Team Overview
🔴 In terms of silverware, Belgium have not been as successful as Croatia. True, the Red Devils secured a bronze medal at the 2018 World Cup, but with their golden generation, expectations were set much higher. That said, Belgium spent a long spell at the top of the FIFA rankings, even if that status didn’t translate into major tournament triumphs. As for their latest World Cup qualifying campaign, Belgium had to work hard but ultimately got the job done: they collected 18 points from eight matches to finish top of their group.
⚫ Belgium are currently riding an 11-match unbeaten streak. Naturally, their March friendlies also went well. On March 28, the Red Devils comfortably dispatched the USA in Atlanta, winning 5-2. A few days later, Belgium faced Mexico, where neither side could find a winner and the match ended 1-1.
Match Results: Belgium
Prediction for the 1st half
Head-to-head matches:
- Total encounters - 1;
- First-half wins for the home side (at home) - 0; for the visitors (away) - 0; number of draws - 0;
- Average first-half total: 0;
- Today's home team averages 0 goals in the first half, while the away team scores 0.
⚽ Goals Prediction
Both Croatia and Belgium have been impressive going forward and rarely leave the pitch without finding the net. At the same time, the Chequered Ones often leave gaps at the back, which leads to them conceding regularly-they’ve both scored and conceded in seven of their last eight home friendlies. Given these trends, the prediction of both teams to score (yes) at odds of 1.67* looks like a strong option.
🚩 Corners Prediction
For those who favour set-piece markets, over 8.5 corners at odds of 1.59* is worth considering. With an open, end-to-end contest expected, there’s every chance we’ll see plenty of corners-making this bet a logical choice.
*Odds are approximate and may vary across different bookmakers.
Editorial Prediction
Bookmakers have no clear favourite heading into this clash, and it’s easy to see why: both sides are evenly matched across the board, and neither team is accustomed to losing often. In a game like this, it makes sense to keep things simple and back both teams to score (yes), especially given Croatia’s recent trends in front of goal. With this being a friendly, expect both teams to play with more freedom and take a few more risks going forward than usual.