Lukaku makes Belgium return with goal in win over Croatia

Napoli forward Romelu Lukaku scored on his first international appearance in more than a year as Belgium beat Croatia 2-0 on Tuesday in Rijeka in a World Cup friendly.

Lukaku found the net in the 96th minute having been missing since September 2025 due to injury in the Red Devils’ penultimate match before their tournament opener against Egypt on June 15.

The 33-year-old has played just 64 minutes for his club this season due to a hip niggle.

Croatia, World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, and a strong side including captain Luka Modric wearing a mask due to injury, end their own World Cup preparations by hosting Slovenia on Sunday.

They begin their World Cup campaign against England on June 17.

On the Adriatic coast, Lukaku was named on the bench with coach Rudi Garcia starting Atalanta midfielder Charles De Ketelaere in the attacking role.

Garcia’s side led 1-0 at the break thanks to an effort from Aston Villa playmaker Youri Tielemans after 38 minutes.

A shot from Modric just before the interval was Croatia’s biggest chance of the first half before Osasuna striker Ante Budimir hit the bar near the hour mark.

Belgium doubled their lead in injury time as Lukaku claimed his 90th international goal before they host Tunisia on Saturday.

Vanguard News

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