Croatia vs Czechia: can the hosts end the group stage on a high note?
The game will be played at Opus Arena in Osijek, Croatia. It is the final group-stage match for both teams, but the sides have slightly different motivations. Croatia are still hoping to improve their position and avoid trouble in their bid to remain in the top tier, while Czechia need points to avoid finishing bottom.
That said, both national teams have already faced serious difficulties ahead of this meeting. Croatia have fallen short of expectations, while Czechia have yet to pick up a single point. The upcoming match therefore promises to be intriguing not only in terms of the standings, but psychologically as well.
Croatia: Modrić and company are looking to bounce back
Croatia, under the leadership of Slaven Bilić, are enduring a far from ideal group stage. After four rounds, the team sit third in Group A3 with just three points. Their only win came against Czechia (2-1) in September, while the other three matches ended in defeat.
The October games were particularly painful. Croatia first lost 4-1 to Spain, then endured a nightmare at Wembley, where England thrashed them 7-0. Croatia also lost 2-1 away to the Three Lions.
After such a result, it is difficult to talk about the team being in a good frame of mind, although the upcoming home match offers an excellent chance to make amends.
Still, Croatia should not be written off. The squad remains packed with high-calibre players. Luka Modrić is still a key figure in midfield, Mateo Kovačić is responsible for moving the ball forward, and Ivan Perišić can cause danger with his experience and ability to join the attack.
Much will depend up front on Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir and Igor Matanović. Croatia have several ways to build their attacks, but the team need to be far more organised than in their previous matches.
Squad absences are a separate concern. As of November 12, the injured players include Josip Šutalo, Marin Pongračić, Kristijan Jakić, Franjo Ivanović and Luka Sučić. The problems in defence could prove particularly costly, with the absence of Šutalo and Pongračić limiting the coaching staff’s options.
Czechia: a last chance to avoid relegation
Czechia, under the leadership of Santi Denia, are in an even more difficult position. After four rounds, the team sit bottom of Group A3 without a single point. What’s more, the Czechs have lost every match, scoring just twice and conceding twelve goals.
In September, the team lost to Croatia (1-2) and England (0-2), then suffered two away defeats in October — against Spain (1-3) and England (0-3). More recently, they lost to La Roja for a second time, 0-2, this time at home.
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That means Czechia have yet to find a positive result even against their direct rivals.
However, the team have players capable of changing the situation. First and foremost is Tomáš Souček, who is returning to the national team after an ankle injury. The West Ham midfielder has plenty of international experience and can provide the team with much-needed physical presence in the middle of the park.
Pavel Šulc, Adam Hložek, Vladimír Coufal and Patrik Schick also remain key figures. Schick is particularly dangerous in front of goal, while Šulc can create chances with his movement between the lines. Czechia’s November squad features 24 players. Souček’s return should be a major boost, especially given how much the team struggled in previous matches without their captain.
There is, however, one important detail: the Czechs can no longer finish in the top two of the group and challenge for a quarter-final place. Their main task now is to climb off the bottom and keep their hopes of staying in League A alive. To do that, they need to pick up points in their remaining games.
Head-to-head record
Historically, Croatia have had the upper hand in this fixture. The Czechs have yet to beat Croatia in an official match.
The teams already met in September 2026 in the current Nations League campaign. Croatia won 2-1 away from home. Before that, the sides drew 0-0 in World Cup qualifying, while in June 2025 Croatia thrashed Czechia 5-1.
We should also remember their meeting at Euro 2021, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Overall, Croatia have looked the more convincing side in this fixture, and September’s win should give the hosts a confidence boost ahead of their next meeting.
In my view, Croatia go into this match as favourites despite their disappointing group campaign. They have far more experience at the highest level, and the presence of Modrić, Kovačić and Perišić gives them reason to expect a higher quality of football.
However, Czechia should not be underestimated. The visitors know they have nothing left to lose, so they may well play with more freedom than in previous matches. Souček’s return should also have a positive impact on the team’s performance.
I think the hosts will look to take control from the opening minutes, keep more possession and put the opposition box under pressure. The Czechs are likely to rely on quick transitions from defence to attack and set pieces.
Over 2.5 goals also looks an interesting option. Both national teams have problems with their defensive organisation, while the situation in the standings means the visitors will have to take risks. I wouldn’t rule out Czechia getting on the scoresheet, but Croatia should come out on top thanks to the overall quality of their squad and their individual talent.
The hosts should make the most of home advantage, bounce back from their previous setbacks and end the group stage with a win.
My prediction: Croatia to win.
