Lukaku scores on return as Belgium beats Croatia 2-0

Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku scored in his first international game in over a year as Belgium won 2-0 against Croatia on Tuesday in Rijeka during a World Cup friendly.

Lukaku found the back of the net in the 96th minute. He had not played since September 2025 because of an injury. This match was Belgium's second to last before they face Egypt on June 15.

The 33-year-old has only played 64 minutes for Napoli this season due to a hip problem.

Croatia, who reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, also featured their captain Luka Modric, who wore a mask because of an injury. Croatia will wrap up their World Cup preparations with a match against Slovenia on Sunday.

They will start their World Cup journey against England on June 17.

In this game on the Adriatic coast, Lukaku began on the bench. Coach Rudi Garcia chose Atalanta midfielder Charles De Ketelaere to lead the attack.

Belgium went into halftime leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans in the 38th minute.

Croatia's best chance in the first half came from a shot by Modric just before the break. Later, Osasuna striker Ante Budimir hit the crossbar near the hour mark.

Belgium scored again in injury time, with Lukaku netting his 90th international goal. They will host Tunisia on Saturday.