World Cup 2026 Warm-Up: Belgium beats Croatia, Brazil thrashes Panama

The countdown to the biggest show on earth has officially begun, and the pre-tournament friendlies are already delivering drama. On Tuesday, June 2, Croatia suffered a sobering 0-2 defeat to Belgium in what was supposed to be a routine tune-up. It’s a result that sends shivers down the spine of any fan expecting an easy ride into the tournament.

This match wasn’t isolated; it was part of a frantic week of warm-ups across the globe leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026Mexico City, which kicks off on June 11 with Mexico hosting South Africa. Every qualified nation is hitting the pitch right up until the day before the opener, trying to find form, test tactics, or simply shake off the rust.

A Week of Surprises and Statement Wins

Here’s the thing about friendlies: they’re unpredictable. While Croatia stumbled, other teams were making bold statements. On that same Tuesday, Colombia crushed Costa Rica 3-1, and Morocco put on a defensive masterclass, shutting out Madagascar 4-0. Canada also looked sharp, beating Uzbekistan 2-0.

But the real shockwaves came earlier in the week. Look at Sunday, May 31. Brazil, always expected to dominate, didn’t just win—they annihilated Panama 6-2. Meanwhile, Germany showed their attacking prowess by dismantling Finland 4-0. Even the United States, playing as co-hosts, had to work for their points, edging Senegal 3-2 in a tight contest.

Then there’s the Netherlands. In a result that caught everyone off guard, they faced Algeria in Rotterdam. Reports later described it as a "shock defeat," proving that even traditional powerhouses can get caught napping when the stakes aren't fully official yet. These results matter because they reveal vulnerabilities before the pressure cooker of the World Cup turns on.

The Schedule: Where to Watch and What’s Next

If you’re trying to keep track, the schedule is dense. Kick-off times are listed in British Summer Time, so don’t lose sleep over early morning games unless you’re in Europe. The action spans continents, from Fort Lauderdale to Liege, and from Sandy, Utah, to Coruna.

For those who missed the recent action, here’s a quick look at some key upcoming fixtures that will shape the final weeks of preparation:

• Wednesday, June 3: Haiti vs New Zealand (Fort Lauderdale) and Congo DR vs Denmark (Liege).
• Thursday, June 4: Spain vs Iraq (Coruna) and France vs Ivory Coast (Nantes), both available on Amazon Prime PPV.
• Saturday, June 6: A massive day featuring USA vs Germany in Chicago (Premier Sports), England vs New Zealand in Tampa (ITV), and Portugal vs Chile in Lisbon.
• Sunday, June 7: Argentina faces Honduras in Texas, while Croatia gets another chance to redeem themselves against Slovenia in Varazdin.

Broadcasters like Amazon Prime Video, BBC, and ITV are splitting the coverage, meaning fans might need multiple subscriptions to catch every game. It’s a fragmented landscape, but the quality of football is worth the hassle.

Expert Analysis: Reading Between the Lines

So, what do these results actually tell us? Experts are already crunching numbers. ESPN’s models give Spain a 48% chance of reaching the semifinals, compared to just 7% for the United States. That’s a stark contrast, especially since this U.S. team is hailed as the best they’ve fielded since 1994.

Turns out, the group stages could be brutal. One prediction model suggests Group G—featuring Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand—will see Belgium top the table, with Egypt second. If Belgium’s performance against Croatia holds up, that prediction looks solid. But football is rarely that linear. The "why this matters" angle here is psychological. Teams like Croatia, coming off a loss, need to bounce back quickly against Slovenia to avoid carrying doubt into the tournament.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s 6-2 win over Panama shows their attack is lethal, but their defense might still have holes to plug. These friendlies are diagnostic tools. Coaches are looking for red flags, not just scorelines.

What’s Next?

The final wave of warm-ups hits on Wednesday, June 10. Key matchups include Saudi Arabia vs Senegal in San Antonio and England vs Costa Rica in Orlando. After that, silence. No more friendlies. Just the World Cup.

The stage is set. The teams are tested. The nerves are fraying. All eyes now turn to Mexico City for the opening whistle. Will the favorites deliver, or will the underdogs spring more shocks? Only time—and ninety minutes of intense football—will tell.