Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku marked his return to international football with a goal as the Red Devils secured a 2-0 victory over Croatia in a World Cup warm-up friendly on Tuesday.

Lukaku, making his first appearance for Belgium in approximately a year after injury setbacks and limited playing time at club level, came off the bench and sealed the win with a stoppage time goal. The strike was his 90th for the Belgian national team, further extending his record as the country’s all-time leading scorer.

Belgium took the lead in the 38th minute through midfielder Youri Tielemans, who capitalised on a defensive error after an impressive run by winger Jérémy Doku. Croatia created several opportunities to respond, with both teams striking the crossbar during an entertaining contest in Rijeka.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also played a key role in preserving Belgium’s lead, producing an important save to deny Croatia captain Luka Modrić.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia had expressed confidence ahead of the match that Lukaku was ready to contribute despite concerns over his fitness following a hamstring injury and limited game time with Napoli. The 33-year-old striker justified that faith by finding the net late in the match.

Both sides used the fixture to fine-tune preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with coaches making numerous substitutions and giving opportunities to several squad members. Croatia made 10 changes during the match, while Belgium used eight substitutes.

The victory provides a timely boost for Belgium ahead of the tournament, where they will open their World Cup campaign against Egypt on June 15. Croatia, meanwhile, will continue their preparations with another friendly against Slovenia before beginning their World Cup campaign against England on June 17.

The result was confirmed by multiple match reports, with Tielemans and Lukaku scoring in Belgium’s 2-0 win over Croatia in a pre-World Cup friendly on June 2.