Czechia have never beaten this opponent: Czechia vs Croatia prediction
The opening-round match of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League between Czechia and Croatia will take place on September 26 at Fortuna Arena. The teams are competing in Group 3 of League A alongside England and Spain, making this opening fixture particularly important in the battle for points in one of the tournament’s toughest groups.
Czechia: back in League A and life without Schick
Czechia have returned to the top division after earning promotion from League B, but the 2026 World Cup proved disappointing, with the team picking up just one point and failing to advance from the group. The national team’s last victory came in June, when they beat Guatemala 3-1 in a friendly.
After the World Cup, Patrik Schick retired from international football, so the attack will now be built around other players. Adam Hložek should retain an important role up front, while Pavel Šulc may be given more freedom in the final third. In central midfield, the team are expected to rely on Alex Král and Michal Sadílek.
Croatia: Bilić returns as Modrić continues to lead the team
Croatia reached the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, where they were beaten by Portugal. After the tournament, the team was once again taken over by Slaven Bilić, who had previously managed the national side from 2006 to 2012.
Luka Modrić remains the key figure in midfield and, at 41, could make his 203rd appearance for the national team. Ante Budimir is expected to lead the attack after a strong start to the club season, scoring five goals in seven matches for Osasuna.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Czechia have never beaten Croatia: three draws and three defeats in six meetings.
- The teams’ most recent meeting, in October 2025, ended in a 0-0 draw.
- Croatia have always competed in League A and reached the tournament final in the 2022/23 season.
History is once again against the hosts: Czechia vs Croatia prediction
Czechia have home advantage and are certainly capable of giving their opponents a stern test, especially through their intensity and pressing in midfield. However, Schick’s absence reduces their options in attack, while creating plenty of chances against Croatia’s experienced midfield will be no easy task.
Croatia look more balanced and have a greater number of players accustomed to matches at this level. If Modrić and Kovačić can take control of midfield, the visitors will have a strong chance of winning even in an evenly contested game.
