A high-intensity friendly set in Rijeka
Croatia welcome Belgium to Stadion HNK Rijeka on 02/06/2026 for what promises to be an engaging friendly encounter. The hosts arrive with a sparkling recent record — eight wins, one draw and a single loss across their latest ten outings — and have been prolific in friendlies and qualifiers alike, posting multiple-goal results in several of their last fixtures. Belgium, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in their last ten matches with six wins and four draws, a run that underlines their consistency and attacking potency. This clash in Rijeka is therefore shaping up as a meeting of two confident sides comfortable on the ball and keen to test attacking combinations ahead of the competitive calendar.
Form, recent games and match rhythm
Form reads like a preview of an open game. Croatia’s run includes a 3-1 win in Colombia and a 3-1 home victory over Faroe Islands, while Belgium have been lighting up scoreboards with a 5-2 win in the United States and a dominant 7-0 victory against Liechtenstein. Croatia’s recent loss to Brazil (3-1) shows they can be breached by top opposition but also that they remain dangerous going forward — Luka Vuskovic was highlighted as Croatia’s best performer in that match. Belgium’s draw with Mexico saw Youri Tielemans named best player, and even in drawn fixtures Belgium have shown the capacity to generate chances and finish when the moment arrives.
Statistically the attacking outlook favours goal involvement: Croatia average 12 total shots with six on target in their recent sample, while Belgium average 13 total shots with an impressive 12 on target. Dangerous attacks and overall attacking numbers tip slightly in Belgium’s favour, but Croatia’s home attacking averages and recent multi-goal results signal that they will not sit back.
H2H history offers a cautionary note: the teams met in the 2022 World Cup group stage in a 0-0 draw, suggesting that tight tactical battles are possible. Yet friendlies often open up as coaches experiment and players press for places, so historical paralysis is not a given.
Why this should be a lively, goal-oriented friendly
Both sides have been carving out chances and converting them in recent international outings. Belgium’s shot accuracy and Croatia’s recent goal returns point toward multiple scoring opportunities for each team. The location — a compact stadium in Rijeka with a capacity under 9,000 — may produce an intense atmosphere that encourages quick transitions and direct attacking play rather than a cagey stalemate.
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Betting suggestion Based strictly on the data — strong recent scoring by both sides, high shot volumes and recent multi-goal fixtures — the best single-market pick here is a goals market: back Over 2.5 goals. This selection leans on Croatia’s recent three-goal displays and Belgium’s tendency to convert chances, offering a realistic expectation of at least three goals in a friendly where both teams are likely to prioritise attacking rhythm and finishing practice.
