Romelu Lukaku scores in Belgium's friendly win over Croatia after year-long international absence

Lukaku, who had been sidelined since September 2025 due to injury, scored in the 96th minute of the match in Rijeka. This marked his first appearance for Belgium in over a year and comes after playing only 64 minutes for his club this season due to a hip injury. Tielemans emphasized Lukaku's importance to the team, stating, "We know how important he is to the group.

He is sharp and mentally everything is fine too. We are going to need him very badly." Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia started Charles De Ketelaere in an attacking role, with Lukaku coming off the bench.

Tielemans scored Belgium's first goal in the 38th minute. Croatia, who were World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, had chances from Luka Modric and Ante Budimir. Lukaku's goal was his 90th international goal.

Belgium will next host Tunisia on Saturday, while Croatia will host Slovenia on Sunday before starting their World Cup campaign against England on June 17.