The final match before the World Cup: Preview of Croatia vs. Slovenia, June 7, 2026
On Sunday, June 7, at the Varteks Stadium in Varaždin, the national teams of Croatia and Slovenia will face off in a friendly encounter. For the hosts, this is the final home tune-up before they head overseas for the World Cup, where the checkered squad faces a daunting group with England, Panama, and Ghana. The geographical proximity and the rich history between these teams guarantee this will be a fiercely contested Balkan derby, despite its friendly status. While Croatia is fine-tuning tactics ahead of the global showpiece, Slovenia arrives with entirely different objectives, undergoing a major rebuild after a disappointing qualifying campaign and setting sights on future Euro 2028 qualification.
Guided by Zlatko Dalić, Croatia enters the match determined to make amends in front of their fans after a recent 0-2 away defeat to Belgium. Dalić is expected to field a starting eleven as close as possible to his best lineup, with legendary captain Luka Modrić leading the side as usual. The coaching staff plans significant adjustments up front, giving Andrej Kramarić and Ante Budimir—who netted 17 goals in the Spanish league—a chance to impress from the opening whistle. The checkered ones will deploy an aggressive system with three central defenders, including Joško Gvardiol, and look to suffocate their opponents with intense pressing from the first seconds to regain psychological confidence before the World Cup kick-off.
Slovenia, under new head coach Boštjan Cesar, who has replaced Matjaž Kek at the helm, arrive in Varaždin as clear underdogs. The team is undergoing a painful shift in playing philosophy and is systematically addressing chronic issues in attack that left them winless in their last six official matches. Cesar’s job is made even tougher by a major blow up front—star striker Benjamin Šeško misses out due to injury. In his absence, Slovenia will likely bunker down in their own half, forming a compact low block and relying solely on maximum commitment in duels and the occasional set piece opportunity.
The tactical landscape in Varaždin will be shaped entirely by Croatia’s attacking intent. The hosts will dominate possession, apply relentless positional pressure down the flanks through the activity of Ivan Perišić and Josip Stanišić, and force Slovenia to defend deep around their own penalty area. The visitors will burn through their energy reserves chasing the ball, and with their attacking options depleted, will struggle to mount any counterplay. Given the gulf in quality, Croatia’s motivation to bounce back from the Belgium defeat, and the backing of the home crowd, Dalić’s men should create a slew of chances in the final third and establish a commanding advantage well before the midway point of the second half.
Prediction
I expect a confident win for Croatia to finish their preparations on a high note and head to the World Cup in good spirits. My prediction: Asian handicap Croatia (-1) at 1.52
