With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days away, the final round of international friendlies delivered compelling storylines as Belgium, Morocco, and Portugal—or more precisely, Cristiano Ronaldo—took center stage. Belgium secured a measured 2-0 victory over Croatia in Rijeka, while Morocco unleashed a four-goal barrage against Madagascar in Rabat. Meanwhile, Ronaldo commenced his preparation with the Portuguese national team, setting his sights on a historic individual milestone that adds an extra layer of intrigue to what is already his record-tying sixth World Cup appearance.
Belgium’s win over Croatia, though not a flawless performance, offered encouraging signs ahead of their tournament opener against Egypt on June 15. Youri Tielemans broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with a well-taken goal, giving the Red Devils a lead they would protect for much of the match. The real story, however, was Romelu Lukaku’s late cameo. Introduced in the 73rd minute for Charles De Ketelaere, the powerful striker sealed the result with a clinical finish deep into stoppage time—the 96th minute. That goal not only put the match to bed but also served as a reminder of Lukaku’s enduring value as a game-changer. For a team that has often struggled to convert dominance into trophies, having a reliable finisher in top form is crucial. Belgium enters Group H as favorites alongside Egypt, but the group also includes Canada and Saudi Arabia, meaning every point matters. Lukaku’s sharpness could be the difference between a smooth path and an early stumble.
Morocco, meanwhile, turned their friendly against Madagascar into a showcase of attacking flair and tactical discipline under coach Walid Regragui. The 4-0 scoreline hardly does justice to the Atlas Lions’ dominance. Ismael Saibari bagged a first-half brace, setting the tone with his movement and finishing. After the break, Achraf Rahimi converted a penalty, and Ayoub El Kaabi added a fourth to complete the rout. The result extends Morocco’s impressive run of form since their historic semi-final appearance in Qatar 2022, and it positions them as a serious threat in Group D, where they will face Brazil, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates. Their World Cup campaign begins on the night of June 13-14 against a Brazil side coached by Carlo Ancelotti—a match that promises to be one of the most watched of the opening round. Morocco’s blend of defensive solidity and explosive counter-attacking makes them a dark horse capable of upsetting even the tournament favorites.
But perhaps no storyline carries more global resonance than Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 career goals. The 41-year-old posted images of his first training session with Portugal on social media, signaling the start of his sixth World Cup campaign—an achievement matched in this edition only by Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa. Ronaldo enters the tournament with 974 official goals for club and country, leaving him 26 shy of the once-unthinkable four-digit mark. While reaching 1,000 in this World Cup alone is mathematically improbable—Portugal would need to go deep and Ronaldo would have to score at a near-record pace—the milestone provides a powerful narrative backdrop. Having recently led Al Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title, his first domestic crown in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo appears as motivated as ever. His physical preparation and goal-scoring instincts remain elite, and he will be eager to add to his legacy on the sport’s biggest stage.
For Belgium, the victory over Croatia was a tactical exercise in controlling a game against a technically gifted opponent. Croatia, who will open their own World Cup against England on June 17, tested the Belgian defense but lacked the cutting edge to find an equalizer. Domenico Tedesco’s side, missing key players like Kevin De Bruyne for this friendly, still managed to create enough chances to win comfortably. The defensive organization, marshaled by Jan Vertonghen’s experience, will be vital when they face Egypt’s Mohamed Salah in the opener. The friendly also highlighted the depth in Belgium’s squad, with substitutes like Lukaku making immediate impacts—a quality that often proves decisive in the latter stages of major tournaments.
Morocco’s performance further cements their status as Africa’s leading contender. Coach Regragui has instilled a belief and tactical flexibility that few teams can match. Against Madagascar, they utilized a high press and quick transitions that overwhelmed their opponents. The attack, spearheaded by the dynamic Saibari and supported by the crafty El Kaabi, looks capable of troubling even the most organized defenses. Defensively, Morocco kept a clean sheet, a testament to the partnership between Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saïss. With the emotionally charged opening match against Brazil on the horizon—a rematch of sorts after the 2022 quarter-final narrative threads—Morocco carries the hopes of an entire continent and a global fanbase that has fallen in love with their fearless style.
The broader implications of these friendlies extend beyond individual teams. They offer a glimpse into how nations are managing the unprecedented challenges of a World Cup held across three countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—with travel, climate, and logistics playing a significant role. Teams that can adapt quickly and maintain fitness will have an edge. Belgium’s ability to grind out a result in a neutral venue, Morocco’s home comfort in Rabat, and Ronaldo’s meticulous preparation all point to squads that are leaving nothing to chance.
Croatia’s defeat, while just a friendly, raises questions about their defensive vulnerabilities. With Luka Modrić now 40, the team is in a transitional phase, and their opening match against an ambitious England side will be a stern test. The 2-0 scoreline against Belgium underscored a lack of incisiveness in the final third—a problem that coach Zlatko Dalić must solve quickly. For England, scouting this result, the blueprint to beat Croatia might involve pressing high and exploiting the spaces behind their full-backs.
As the countdown to kickoff intensifies, these storylines will only grow in significance. Lukaku’s late heroics, Morocco’s attacking fireworks, and Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of history are not just isolated moments; they are threads in the rich tapestry of a World Cup that promises drama, upsets, and unforgettable performances. The stage is set, and the world will be watching when the action begins in earnest. Based on reporting from Tuttosport.