Croatia vs Belgium live: World Cup score, highlights, result from 2022 Group F match

Croatia and Belgium meet at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium knowing that one of the two heavyweights of Group F could be heading for the World Cup exit door.

In what is their ninth meeting at international level, there is plenty on the line in this one, as both chase the win that will likely be needed to guarantee a spot in the Round of 16.

Belgium were widely expected to lead the pack in this group — they were the No.2-ranked nation in the world heading into the Qatar tournament after all — but a surprise defeat to Morocco last time out has left them on the brink.

Croatia’s ageing squad may be past its best, but with Luka Modric still pulling the strings in midfield they remain a potent threat.

The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights for Croatia vs Belgium at the 2022 World Cup. Follow below for complete results from the Group F match in Qatar.

MORE: Best bets, predictions and tips from TSN’s experts on Croatia vs Belgium

Croatia vs Belgium live score

Goals:
None

Projected lineups:

Croatia projected lineup (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Livakovic — 22. Juranovic, 6. Lovren, 20. Gvardiol, 19. Sosa — 10. Modric, 11. Brozovic, 8. Kovacic — 13. Vlasic, 9. Kramaric, 16. Petkovic

Belgium projected lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Courtois — 15. Meunier, 2. Alderweireld, 5. Vertonghen, 21. Castagne — 6. Witsel, 8. Tielemans — 7. De Bruyne, 10. E. Hazard, 16. T. Hazard — 9. Lukaku

MORE: Watch every World Cup match live with fuboTV (US only free trial)

Croatia vs Belgium live updates, highlights from 2022 World Cup

2hrs 30 mins from kick off: Tottenham star Ivan Perisic is sounding confident about Croatia’s chances today – and for good reason, given that 4-1 hammering of Canada last time out. With Belgium vulnerable, you feel like the Croatians are in the driving seat for this one.

With knockout qualification on the line, Ivan Perisic is feeling positive and confident 💪🇭🇷 #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022

3hrs from kick off: If this game ends in a draw today, Croatia will be through, but Belgium would need Canada to beat Morocco by at least two goals to have a chance. Martinez’s have to win, in which case Croatia would require a Moroccan defeat in the other game.

3hrs 30 mins from kick off: Some early team news for you, with Croatia expected to be unchanged from the side that hammered Canada 4-1 last time out. Nikola Vlasic is again likely to miss out due to injury, with Luka Modric expected to start despite being on a booking.

Belgium are without Amadou Onana due to suspension so Youri Tielemans may come back into their midfield. Romelu Lukaku might be fit enough to start.

Here’s a piece on the expected starting lineups for both sides.

4hrs from kick off: Croatia and Belgium both have some serious World Cup pedigree. But with Morocco in pole position to qualify, you suspect something will have to give today, between two of 2018’s semi-finalists.

There aren’t enough superlatives to describe this highlights reel 💥

Croatia’s best-ever #FIFAWorldCup goals will have you 🤯 #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/kJX82caGuT

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022

4hrs, 30 mins from kick off: Kevin de Bruyne has already denounced Belgium’s chances of winning this World Cup, admitting many of their squad is too old and that 2018 was their biggest chances. Roberto Martinez has also claimed there is a ‘desire for negative news’ around his team.

It all adds up to a bit of discontent within the Belgian camp, on the eve of this vital clash.

5 hrs from kickoff: Hello, and welcome to The Sporting News’ coverage of this Group F showdown between Croatia and Belgium. This one is the battle of the nearly-men. Croatia were ‘nearly’ the World Cup winners in 2018, while Belgium have been touted for years as a side with the individual talent to go on and dominate one the biggest stage, but they have never delivered. Today could be the latest chapter in that story, as they chase the win they need just to qualify for the knockouts. Stay tuned, as this could be action-packed!

Now more than ever. 🖤💛❤️ https://t.co/B5kqeoKeZi

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 28, 2022

Croatia vs Belgium lineups, team news

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic is likely to refresh his side for this game to allow his experienced campaigners the chance to have a much-needed break, with Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic among those who could get a rest on the bench

Nikola Vlasic came off the bench against Canada, as part of his return to full fitness, and the Torino loanee could start alongside Bruno Petkovic.

Croatia projected lineup (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Livakovic — 22. Juranovic, 6. Lovren, 20. Gvardiol, 19. Sosa — 10. Modric, 11. Brozovic, 8. Kovacic — 13. Vlasic, 9. Kramaric, 16. Petkovic

Roberto Martinez is also considering changes as his Belgium side enter the last-chance saloon. 

Leicester City star Youri Tielemans is expected to return to midfield in place of the suspended Amadou Onana, but the big call will be on Romelu Lukaku‘s fitness, after a cameo off the bench against Morocco. There is also a chance Martinez will abandon his long-used 3-4-3 in a bid to unlock Belgium’s attacking potential.

Belgium projected lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Courtois — 15. Meunier, 2. Alderweireld, 5. Vertonghen, 21. Castagne — 6. Witsel, 8. Tielemans — 7. De Bruyne, 10. E. Hazard, 16. T. Hazard — 9. Lukaku

Croatia vs Belgium live stream, TV channel

This final Group F match will be played at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Here’s how you can watch all the action in some of the major global territories.

Watch the match on fuboTV in USA: