June 2 Kickoff Sets Croatia Vs Belgium Pre-World Cup Test
Croatia vs Belgium is set for June 2, 2026, with kickoff at 12:00 PM in a pre-World Cup friendly that gives both sides one more live test before the tournament. For readers tracking how each team is shaping its World Cup buildup, this is the last clear checkpoint before squads move from preparation into competition.
Modrić On Croatia’s Core
Luka Modrić described Croatia’s squad as a "big family," a line that fits a group built around continuity rather than constant change. He and Ivan Perišić said club rivalries disappear once the national shirt goes on, and that unity arrives after Croatia won four of their last five matches.
That run includes a 3-1 loss to Brazil in Croatia’s most recent outing on April 1, but it also includes a 2-1 friendly win over Colombia and three straight victories in UEFA World Cup qualification. Croatia beat Montenegro 3-2 away, the Faroe Islands 3-1, and Gibraltar 3-0 during that qualifying stretch.
Belgium’s Recent Split
Belgium arrive with a different profile. They have two wins, two draws and no defeats across their last five results, with a 5-2 win over the United States standing out and a 1-1 draw with Mexico in their most recent outing. They also drew against Kazakhstan in World Cup qualifying.
Romelu Lukaku said the squad had lobbied for Thierry Henry to take the head coach role after Roberto Martinez left, and he was openly critical of the previous regime under Domenico Tedesco. That adds an edge to a friendly that is supposed to sharpen rhythm, not just fill the calendar.
Group L And Group G
Croatia enter the World Cup in Group L with England, Panama and Ghana, while Belgium are in Group G. The friendly now sits as one of the final opportunities for each coach to tighten the group before the tournament begins, with no team news available yet for either side.
What changes for supporters is simple: the date and time are set, and the build-up now shifts to squad selection and late adjustments. Injury and suspension information for both teams will be added closer to kickoff, and this match should show which players are closest to carrying their club form into a World Cup role.
