Friendlies review: Belgium put on five-star display

As the countdown continues to the , the 48 participating nations have been busy fine-tuning preparations with a string of pre-tournament warm-up matches.

Co-hosts Mexico kicked off an extensive slate of international outings, as they downed Ghana 2-0. Every nation at the tournament will play at least one official lead-up fixture to help settle selection issues and tweak tactical concerns.

FIFA has compiled a full list of each nation's fixtures, along with key events and scorers, for those matches which are being played in Canada, Mexico, the USA and beyond.

Belgium goals: Leandro Trossard (28), Charles De Ketelaere (53), Kevin De Bruyne (65), Dodi Lukebakio (85), Nicolas Raskin (87)

Belgium produced an impressive display to beat 10-man Tunisia in Brussels. Leandro Trossard set the Red Devils on their way in the 28th minute, poking the ball home after Jeremy Doku's mazy run and pass set up the Arsenal attacker. Atalanta's Charles De Ketelaere doubled Belgium’s lead early in the second half, and Ismael Garbi's red card shortly afterwards skewed the game further in the hosts' favour. Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne netted his 37th international goal to make it 3-0, before two late strikes from substitutes Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin put further gloss on the scoreline.

Canada goal: Jake O’Brien (23 own goal) Republic of Ireland goal: Chiedozie Ogbene (60)

Canada swapped the rain of Edmonton from earlier in the week for overcast skies in Montreal as they rounded out their pre-tournament preparation with a draw against Republic of Ireland – a third stalemate in four hit-outs before they co-host the global finals. Stephen Eustaquio’s corner midway through the opening stanza was turned past his own keeper by Jake O’Brien to hand the hosts the lead. Ireland's Troy Parrott then saw his penalty on the hour saved by Maxime Crepeau, before Chiedozie Ogbene tucked home the rebound to close out the scoring.

Saudi Arabia goals: Sultan Mandash (45+1), Abdullah Al Hamdan (50), Salem Al Dawsari (88)

Austin, Texas is the self-styled live music capital of the world and Saudi Arabia struck all the right notes there in their penultimate pre-tournament outing. Sultan Mandash got things started as he fired home from a tight angle late in the first half before Abdullah Al Hamdan doubled the advantage soon after the restart. A fine solo effort from Green Falcons skipper Salem Al Dawsari put the result beyond doubt for the Green Falcons late on.

Haiti goal: Wilson Isidor (16) Peru goals: Renzo Garces (81), Jairo Velez (84)

A pair of late goals from Peru's Renzo Garces and Jairo Velez handed Haiti a 2-1 defeat in Les Grenadiers' final friendly before their World Cup opener against Scotland on 14 June. Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor opened the scoring for Haiti with a smart finish following Louicius Deedson's incisive through-ball. But just as it seemed Haiti were heading for a second successive friendly win, having beaten New Zealand 4-0 last time out, Sebastien Migne's side conceded twice in three minutes as Peru emerged victorious.

Paraguay goals: Kaka (17 pen), Miguel Almiron (42), Matias Galarza (62), Alexandro Maidana (65)

Paraguay finished their World Cup preparation in emphatic style with a 4-0 victory over Nicaragua in Asuncion. Ahead of the game, La Albirroja celebrated the career of Oscar Cardozo, the ex-Benfica forward who represented Paraguay at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and recently announced his retirement aged 43.

Al Ain attacker Kaku put the hosts in front from the penalty spot 17 minutes in after Antonio Sanabria was pushed inside the box, with Miguel Almiron doubling the lead before half-time with a thumping left-foot strike. Second-half goals from Matias Galarza and Alexandro Maidana completed a convincing win, though there were some concerns when Strasbourg winger Julio Encisco left the pitch on a stretcher in the first half.

Mexico goals: Johan Vasquez (34), Stefan Bukinac (45+2 OG), Raul Jimenez (57), Adem Avdic (72 OG), Luis Chavez (90) Serbia goal: Petar Stanic (19)

Mexico rounded off their pre-tournament preparation in style, putting five past Serbia in Toluca. Central defender Johan Vasquez, who scored the winner against Australia last week, cancelled out Petar Stanjic's opener before an own goal saw the hosts head to the break with a narrow lead. Raul Jimenez extended the advantage just shy of the hour and after a second own goal, Luis Chavez iced the win with a long-range effort to make it three straight wins for the tournament co-hosts.

Czechia goals: Patrik Schick (11), Tomas Chory (72), Denis Visinsky (79) Guatemala goal: William Fajardo (40)

Czechia continued a strong tournament build-up, extending their undefeated run to four matches with a win over Guatemala in New Jersey. A mazy run and powerful finish from Patrik Schick put the Europeans ahead early on, only for William Fajardo to restore parity for Guatemala and send the sides to the break level. A towering Tomas Chory headed restored Czechia's lead and Denis Visinsky pounced on a poor clearance to secure the win late on.

France goal: Rayan Cherki (45) Côte d'Ivoire goals: Guela Doue (53), Amad Diallo (84)

Guela Doue got as he scored a goal and set up another in Côte d'Ivoire's upset victory over France in Nantes. After Rayan Cherki gave France the lead, Guela broke clear of the defence to equalise in style. With Desire among several Paris Saint-Germain players on the bench, Guela then set up Amad Diallo with six minutes remaining as the Ivorians claimed a memorable scalp.

Spain goal: Ferran Torres (16) Iraq goal: Merchas Doski (27)

Merchas Doski scored a brilliant long-range, left-footed strike to secure a morale-boosting draw for Iraq against an under-strength Spain team. Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, David Raya, Victor Munoz, Marc Cucurella, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Martin Zubimendi, Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal were all left out of the send-off match in Coruna. Ferran Torres gave Spain an early lead after showing blistering pace and firing home before later hitting the crossbar.

Sweden goals: Viktor Gyokeres (53), Gustaf Nilsson (69) Greece goals: Kostas Tsimkas (10), Giorgos Masouras (90+5)

After losing 3-1 to Scandinavian rivals Norway, Sweden stuttered again in their preparations as they were held to a draw by Greece at their send-off match in Stockholm. Shortly after joining up with the squad after being rested following the UEFA Champions League final, Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres levelled things for Sweden with a deflected free-kick. Graham Potter's men looked on course for victory when Taha Ali teed up Gustav Nilsson but Giorgos Masouras spoiled the party deep into injury time.

Panama goals: Tomas Rodriguez (16), Victor Griffith (44), Cecilio Waterman (57), Jose Kadir (89) Dominican Republic goals: Mariano (47), Erick Japa (67)

Panama geared up for the global showpiece with a four-goal haul against Dominican Republic in an entertaining, if scrappy, contest. Thomas Christiansen’s men secured the victory with four different scorers, highlighting their attacking depth.

Korea Republic goal: Lee Donggyeong (57)

Korea Republic followed up their 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago with another impressive warm-up victory in Utah, which was settled by Lee Donggyeong's brilliant curling free-kick in the second half. Captain Son Heungmin entered the field as a second-half substitute, as did defender Cho Wije who made his international debut.

Algeria goal: Anis Hadj Moussa (86)

Algeria struck late to down the Netherlands at Stadion Feijenoord in Rotterdam. The Netherlands controlled the first half and came close when Donyell Malen fired off the post. The Dutch kept coming after the re-start, namely Justin Kluivert missing just wide. But the last word belonged to Algeria, as Anis Hadj Moussa received a ball on the right, cut to his left and unleashed a left-footed shot into net.

Congo DR battled to a goalless draw with Denmark at Stade Maurice Dufrasne in Liege, Belgium. Denmark started off the stronger side and came close when Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg blasted a shot off the crossbar. Congo DR came on late in hopes of a winner but were unable to find a way past Filip Jorgensen.

In front of a passionate Haiti-supporting crowd in South Florida, Les Grenadiers gave the fans plenty to cheer about as they cruised past New Zealand. Ruben Providence broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when he turned in the All Whites area, skipped past Finn Surman and finished with a neat close-range chip. Haiti moved up a gear after the break as Lenny Joseph, Frantzdy Pierrot and Markhus Lacroix all found the target to leave New Zealand with plenty to ponder.

Wales goal: Lewis Koumas (90+3) Ghana goal: Caleb Yirenkyi (66)

Wales scored in the waning moments to spoil a victorious outing for Ghana at Cardiff City Stadium. Wales were the stronger side in the first half, but the second-half substitutions made by Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz swung things in the African side’s favour. The visitors cashed in thanks to a surging run from Ernest Nuamah, whose initial effort was repelled, but Caleb Yirenkyi was there to slot home. Lewis Koumas scored via header in stoppage time to earn the hosts a draw.

Belgium goals: Youri Tielemans (38), Romelu Lukaku (90+6)

Romelu Lukaku's form and fitness have been a real concern for Belgium ahead of the World Cup, having badly struggled for Napoli on and off the field this season. But the veteran striker showed his enduring class, after coming on for a late cameo, with an injury-time strike to seal a deserved victory for Belgium against fellow participants Croatia. Captain Youri Tielemans gave Belgium the lead with a neat first-half effort, with Hans Vanaken also heading into the crossbar.

Morocco goals: Ismael Saibari (4, 25), Soufiane Rahmi (78 pen), Ayoub El Kaabi (87)

Ismael Saibari scored a fine brace as Morocco ramped up their preparations with a comfortable victory over 10-man Madagascar. Saibari broke the deadlock after just four minutes with a near-post header before scoring with a well-taken strike. Victory was sealed after the break with a Soufiane Rahmi penalty and Ayoub El Kaabi's opportunistic finish. Star man Achraf Hakimi was rested after his UEFA Champions League heroics with Paris Saint-Germain.

Canada goals: Jonathan Osorio (58), Jayden Nelson (90+1)

In steady rain in Edmonton, Uzbekistan lost forward Aziz Ganiev to a first half injury as a scrappy opening term finished all square. Canada went ahead just shy of the hour as Jonathan Osorio drove a shot in off the gloves of Abduvohid Nematov before fellow half-time substitute Jayden Nelson iced the win late on.

Colombia goals: Davinson Sanchez (17), Luis Diaz (23), Luis Suarez (81) Costa Rica goal: Andrey Soto (33)

Luis Diaz played a starring role as Colombia's preparations continued with a solid win over Costa Rica in Bogota. The Bayern Munich forward provided the corner from which Davinson Sanchez thumped home the opener before sweeping home a second midway through the first half. A close-range Andrey Soto header pegged one back for the visitors but Luis Suarez raced onto a lofted James Rodriguez pass to secure the win with nine minutes remaining.

Austria goal: Marcel Sabitzer (63)

Austria overcame Konrad Laimer's first half red card to down Tunisia at the Ernst-Happel Stadion in Vienna. Tunisia hit the post three times in the first 45 minutes, the last coming from an Anis Slimane free kick after Laimer was sent off for a handball. Austria hung tough and Marcel Sabitzer delivered the winner when he knifed into the area and steered home a right-footed finish.

Norway goals: Jorgen Strand Larsen (8, 33), Antonio Nusa (18) Sweden goal: Alexander Isak (76)

In the battle of the two Scandinavian teams at the World Cup, Norway emerged triumphant in Oslo. What was all the more impressive was that it came without the rested superstars Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland. Jorgen Strand Larsen found the net twice in the first half with his head, with Antonio Nusa also blasting home a thunderous strike. In a much-improved display after the break, Alexander Isak pulled a goal back for Sweden with a brilliant individual effort.

Türkiye goals: Orkun Kokcu (2), Can Uzun (16), Deniz Gul (52), Baris Alper Yilmaz (70)

Türkiye continued to build momentum for the global showpiece with a comfortable victory over North Macedonia in Istanbul. Vincenzo Montella's men showed their intent from the opening whistle when they hit the crossbar after just ten seconds and Orkun Kokcu struck home with 61 seconds on the clock. A comfortable victory was sealed by Can Uzun's near-post strike followed by second-half efforts from Deniz Gul and Baris Alper Yilmaz. Star man Arda Guler showed some neat touches in making a second-half cameo.

Brazil goals: Vinicius Junior (2), Casemiro (39), Rayan (53), Lucas Paqueta (60) Igor Thiago (63 pen), Danilo (81) Panama goals: Matheus Cunha own goal (14), Carlos Harvey (84)

Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil hit six of the best to steamroll Panama in Rio de Janeiro. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring with a rasping long-range drive, but Brazil were pegged back when Amir Murillo's free-kick deflected in off Matheus Cunha. Casemiro reestablished the Seleção's lead shortly before the break by flicking in a Vinicius shot. Rayan then netted his first for Brazil, with Lucas Paqueta, Igor Thiago and Danilo adding further gloss. The evening ended on a high for Panama, as Carlos Harvey netted with a fizzing first-time shot.

USA goals: Sergino Dest (7), Christian Pulisic (20), Folarin Balogun (63) Senegal goals: Sadio Mane (44, 52)

Co-hosts USA edged a topsy-turvy game with Senegal in Charlotte. Goals from Sergino Dest and captain Christian Pulisic saw the States race into a two-goal lead, but the match was flipped on its head either side of the break. Senegal captain Sadio Mane was sent through to finish an incisive counter-attack, before capitalising on a mix-up in the USA rearguard to level the contest. Mauricio Pochettino's men wouldn't be denied, however, with Folarin Balogun slotting home from a low Tim Weah cross.

Germany goals: Deniz Undav (34, 57), Florian Wirtz (48), Jamal Musiala (63)

Deniz Undav scored two and made another as Germany cruised to victory in their penultimate World Cup warm-up match. The Stuttgart striker headed in the opener following a well-worked corner, before turning provider for Florian Wirtz to double the lead. Undav completed his brace just before the hour mark, while Jamal Musiala's first Germany goal in over a year added the gloss to a clinical second-half display.

Cabo Verde goals: Kevin Lenini (11), Laros Duarte (59), Gilson Benchimol (63)

Cabo Verde claimed back-to-back wins over European opposition for the first time since 2022 with a dominant victory over Serbia. They defeated Finland 2-1 back in March, and were set on their way in Lisbon thanks to Kevin Lenini. Laros Duarte then doubled their lead with a well-worked goal following a one-two with Steven Moreira, before Gilson Benchimol slammed a third home to make the game safe.

Czechia goals: Tomas Ladra (11), Adam Hlozek (31) Kosovo goal: Lindon Emerllahu (79)

A fine display from Adam Hlozek helped Czechia to victory in this all-European affair. The powerful forward burst away from a host of Kosovan defenders to set up David Doudera, who in turn crossed for Tomas Landra to head in from inside the six-yard box. Hlozek then scored the second himself, firing home a pass from Mojmir Chytil. Lindon Emerllahu halved the deficit with a close-range effort late in the piece, but Czechia held on to go five games unbeaten.

Switzerland goals: Breel Embolo (28 pen), Dan Ndoye (33), Granit Xhaka (45+9 pen), Christian Fassnacht (79) Jordan goal: Odeh Fakhoury (52)

A dominant first-half display saw Switzerland down fellow World Cup 2026 side Jordan in St. Gallen. Breel Embolo got the Nati up and running with a first-half penalty, before Dan Ndoye was set clear by Michel Aebischer to slot a second soon after. Captain Granit Xhaka then extended the lead in first-half stoppage time from the spot. Substitute Odeh Fakhoury looked to have given Jordan a lifeline with a well-placed shot shortly after the break, but all hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Christian Fassnacht finished well from the centre of the box.

The game was marked by a poignant early moment, as defender Maya Yoshida was replaced to a standing ovation after 14 minutes in what was the 37-year-old's 127th and final appearance. Japan settled down from then and enjoyed the better of the chances throughout, eventually breaking the deadlock when Koki Ogawa glanced home a Yukinari Sugawara cross from the right to secure Japan a sixth consecutive victory.

Mexico goal: Johan Vasquez (28)

At a heaving, and decidedly pro-Mexico, Rose Bowl, Javier Aguirre handed several fringe players a final chance to impress while there was no Cristian Volpato for the Socceroos, after he recently switched his international allegiance from Italy. In a clash that El Tri dominated, Johan Vasquez’s first-half header ultimately proved the difference.

Scotland goals: Lawrence Shankland (59, 64), Findlay Curtis (45), Ryan Christie (81 pen) Curaçao goal: Tahith Chong (17)

Steve Clarke's Scots came from a goal down to earn a resounding win over ten-man Curaçao in Glasgow. A Lawrence Shankland double, sandwiched in between a smart finish from teenager Findlay Curtis and a Ryan Christie penalty, sent the Hampden crowd home happy after Tahith Chong had opened the scoring with a superb solo goal. The game turned on a first-half red card for Juergen Locadia, spoiling Dick Advocaat's return to the country he spent three years in as Rangers manager.

Ecuador goals: Jackson Porozo (39), Anthony Valencia (51) Saudi Arabia goal: Sultan Mandash (87)

Ecuador kicked off their preparation with a narrow victory over Saudi Arabia at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. The South Americans struck when John Yeboah served up a free kick and Jackson Porozo met it with a header into net. Yeboah then played provider again, this time setting up Anthony Valencia's finish to double the lead. Sultan Mandash tallied late to pull a goal back for Saudi Arabia.

Korea Republic goals: Son Heungmin (40, 43 pen), Cho Guesung (65, 77), Hwang Heechan (75 pen)

Korea Republic enjoyed a five-goal outing in a decisive victory against Trinidad and Tobago at BYU South Field in Provo, Utah. Superstar Son Heungmin led the way with a late first half brace, while Cho Guesung notched a pair of goals himself in the second stanza. Hwang Heechan etched his name on the scoresheet as well.

On a festive night in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina played to a scoreless draw with North Macedonia at the Stadion Kosevo. Samed Bazdar and Kerim Alajbegovic each rang shots off the post in the first half, while a winner could not be found in the second 45 minutes.

IR Iran goals: Arya Yousefi (47), Ramin Rezaeian (57), Mehdi Taremi (68) The Gambia goal: Omar Colley (42)

IR Iran ramped up their World Cup preparations with a comfortable victory over a weakened The Gambia team in Antalya, Turkey. The Iranians fell behind to a goal from Omar Colley but responded in the second half with a three-goal blitz, with Ramin Rezaeian's long-range effort the best of the bunch.

South Africa were held to a goalless draw against Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg. The hosts were on the front foot throughout and looked set to score in first-half stoppage time, but Lyle Foster’s penalty struck the post. A late header from Iqraam Rayners that flashed wide served as the best look in the second stanza.

Ali Yousef's beautiful curled effort secured a narrow victory for Iraq over Andorra in Girona, Spain. After making extensive changes after the break to test out his squad, Graham Arnold must now cut his 34-player preliminary roster before a tough test against Spain on 4 June.

Mostafa Ziko’s second-half header proved the difference as Egypt geared up for the World Cup with a narrow victory over Russia. The match marked the return of Ligue 1 centre-back Mohamed Abdelmonem after long-term injury, while star man Mohamed Salah was rested for the occasion in Cairo.

Republic of Ireland goal: Nathan Collins (5)

Qatar suffered a setback in their World Cup preparations after losing to the Republic of Ireland at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. Nathan Collins gave the Irish a fifth-minute lead with a neat glancing header before the home team were reduced to ten men with Jack Moylan sent off for a high tackle. Qatar could not make the most of their numerical advantage, however, and went a man down themselves in the second half when Almoez Ali was given his marching orders.

Morocco goals: Ayoub El Kaabi (59, 63), Tawfik Bentayeb (71), Soufiane Benjdida (80, 90)

The final match of Morocco's initial pre-tournament preparation phase was played behind closed-doors in Sale just hours before Mohamed Ouahbi named his . The hosts rotated heavily throughout the clash off the back of an intense couple of days of training at the Mohammed VI Football Complex and proved far too strong for their fellow African opposition.

Mexico goals: Brian Gutierrez (2), Guillermo Martinez (54)

In Puebla, goals early in either half helped ease Mexico to a 2-0 win over a Ghana side that was without recently appointed head coach Carlos Queiroz. Brian Gutierrez pounced on an errant Benjamin Asare pass to put the tournament co-hosts ahead, and starlet Gilberto Mora came close to doubling the lead midway through the opening term before Guillermo Martinez iced the win nine minutes after the interval.

England v Costa Rica | Inter&Co Stadium | Orlando, USA Portugal v Nigeria | Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa | Leiria, Portugal

Sources: FIFA Official