Capitals, June 02 (QNA) - Belgium and Canada defeated Croatia and Uzbekistan, respectively, on Tuesday in friendly matches as both sides prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In the first match, Belgium defeated its Croatian hosts, 2-0, in a friendly played at Rujevica Stadium in Rijeka, Croatia.

Youri Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku scored the two goals, finding the net in the 38th and 96th minutes.

During the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, Belgium will compete in Group G alongside Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand.

In the other match, Canada, one of the three host nations for the 2026 tournament, secured a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan in a friendly held at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.

Jonathan Osorio and Jayden Nelson scored for Canada in the 58th and 91st minutes.

Canada will play its opening World Cup match in Group B on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, before facing Qatar on June 19 in the second round, and concluding the group stage against Switzerland on June 24. (QNA)