Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Wed 3 June 2026 7:10, UK

Nicolas Raskin started for Belgium in Tuesday’s friendly over Croatia as the Rangers midfielder was given another chance to prove his World Cup credentials.

The 25-year-old has been named as part of Belgium’s squad for the upcoming tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Belgium played their first of two pre-tournament friendlies on Tuesday night as they saw off Croatia 2-0 in Rijeka.

Raskin started the game on what was his 12th senior international outing and played 79 minutes of the contest before being replaced.

While Raskin is so often dependable for Rangers, however, it appears he had something of an off-day against Croatia.

Nicolas Raskin ‘looks a little lost’ in Belgium win

Belgium have one of the best squads heading to the World Cup, so it is credit to Raskin that he has forced his way in.

Rudi Garcia gave the midfielder a chance to potentially nail down a starting spot in the side by naming him in his XI versus Croatia.

However, the general consensus is that Raskin was not particularly good.

DH Les Sports state that Raskin “did his ‘dirty work’ as usual” but was “sometimes a little lost” and sloppy in possession.

Raskin was given a 5.5 rating by the publication, while Sports Dunia gave him a slightly better, but not great, 6.6.

Belgian fan account Joueurs Belges, meanwhile, posted on X: “Not a top-notch Raskin match today.”

Unfortunately for Raskin, this below-par display has come at a bad time just a week or so out from the World Cup beginning.

However, Belgium still have Tunisia to face in another friendly and it may well be that he can redeem himself in that game.

Raskin exit update emerges from Rangers pre-World Cup

It is inevitable that Raskin will be touted with a Rangers exit – even more so than currently – should he play for Belgium in the World Cup.

There has long been a fear that he will depart Ibrox, but only if the right offer is tabled.

The latest reports suggest that Raskin and fellow central midfielder Mohamed Diomande are both likely to leave this summer.

If that is indeed the case, Danny Rohl will simply hope those exits are done sooner rather than later so that replacements can be brought in.

For now, though, all Raskin will really be thinking about is helping his country to World Cup success.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.