Czech Republic vs. Croatia – News and Probable Lineups

Czech Republic will face Croatia in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday evening.

Both teams are part of Group 3 in League A for the 2026-27 competition, in which they will be joined by England and Spain, who are expected to be the top contenders for the top two spots in the group.

Match overview

Czech Republic returns to League A of the Nations League after earning promotion from League B in the 2024-25 season, holding a record of 10 victories, three draws, and nine losses across 22 matches in the tournament.

The Czech side competed in the 2026 World Cup but fell short of advancing past the group stage, managing to collect only one point from their fixtures, which was secured through a 1-1 draw against South Africa.

They registered their last win back in June, defeating Guatemala 3-1 in a friendly match.

Under the management of Santi Denia, the Czech Republic will host Croatia and England in consecutive home games before the end of the month, followed by away matches against Spain and England on October 3 and October 6, respectively.

Historically, Czech Republic has faced Croatia six times, but they have yet to record a victory, with a tally of three draws and three defeats.

The most recent encounter between the two teams was during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in October 2025, where they played out a scoreless draw.

Croatia, on the other hand, also participated in the 2026 World Cup, where they reached the last 32 before being eliminated by Portugal.

Slaven Bilic has returned as head coach for a second stint, having previously managed the national team from July 2006 to May 2012.

The Blazers were runners-up in the 2022-23 Nations League, losing out to Spain in the final, and they have consistently been a part of League A.

Croatia will face Spain (A) in their final fixture of the month, followed by home matches against England and Spain in October.

Czech Republic’s form in all competitions:

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Croatia’s form in all competitions:

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Team News

Czech Republic is likely to feature Adam Hlozek in the attacking front, with the 24-year-old aiming to add to his five goals for the national team.

Patrik Schick is no longer with Czech Republic, having announced his retirement following the 2026 World Cup, which may open an opportunity for Lyon’s Pavel Sulc in the forward line.

Alex Kral and Michal Sadilek are also expected to find their places in the squad.

For Croatia, Luka Modric, still performing well at 41 years old, is set to earn his 203rd cap in this match.

Surprisingly, Croatia’s lineup should remain relatively consistent, with Mateo Kovacic also anticipated to take his position in midfield alongside Luka Sucic.

Ante Budimir has netted seven times for his country and has started the season strongly with five goals in seven appearances for Osasuna; he is expected to spearhead the attack.

Czech Republic probable starting XI:

Blacksmith; Vitik, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Kral, Cerv, Sadilek, Karabec; Sulc, Hlozek

Croatia probable starting XI:

Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; Vlasic, Sucic, Baturina; Budimir

This fixture is challenging to predict, and a narrow scoreline is anticipated. Nevertheless, Croatia’s superior quality may help them clinch all three points.