Croatia vs Czech Republic | World Cup Qualifying - Europe | Group Stage | Pre Match
Croatia vs Czech Republic
In a highly anticipated clash that could shape the trajectory of Group L in the UEFA 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, Croatia and the Czech Republic, the two standout teams in their section, will lock horns at the Opus Arena on Monday evening. The encounter pits a Croatian side brimming with confidence after a 7-0 demolition of Gibraltar against a Czech Republic team that has been flawless thus far, securing three victories from three matches to lead the group with nine points. For Croatia, managed by the experienced Zlatko Dalić since October 2017, this match represents an opportunity to assert their dominance as favorites to top Group L and take a significant step toward qualifying for their sixth World Cup since gaining independence. The Czech Republic, under Ivan Hašek’s astute leadership, are riding an eight-game unbeaten streak and are determined to secure their first World Cup appearance since 2006. With both teams boasting formidable talent and contrasting styles, this showdown at the Opus Arena promises to be a tactical chess match, where individual brilliance, collective cohesion, and mental fortitude will determine who emerges with the upper hand in the race for automatic qualification to the global finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Croatia’s journey in international football has been nothing short of remarkable since they were admitted to UEFA in June 1993, just months after the qualifying process for the 1994 World Cup had begun, preventing their participation. Their first major campaign came in the 1996 European Championship, where they reached the quarter-finals, setting the tone for their consistent presence on the global stage. Since then, Croatia have qualified for 14 of the 16 major tournaments they have entered, establishing themselves as one of Europe’s powerhouse nations. Under Zlatko Dalić’s stewardship, the Checkered Ones have scaled new heights, most notably finishing as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and securing third place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. These achievements, driven by a golden generation led by the evergreen Luka Modrić, have cemented Croatia’s reputation for punching above their weight. Their qualifying campaign for 2026 kicked off in emphatic fashion with a 7-0 rout of Gibraltar, a performance that showcased their attacking potency and defensive solidity. The result sent a clear message to their Group L rivals, including the Czech Republic, that Croatia are intent on topping the group. Historically, Croatia have had the edge over the Czechs, remaining unbeaten in their last three encounters, with two draws and one victory. However, their recent form—two wins, two draws, and two losses in their last six matches—suggests they are not invincible, and they will need to be at their best to overcome a Czech side in scintillating form. A victory on Monday would not only bolster Croatia’s confidence but also give them a psychological edge over their closest rivals in the race for automatic qualification.
The Czech Republic, meanwhile, are in the midst of a resurgence under Ivan Hašek, who has instilled a sense of belief and discipline in a squad that has struggled to replicate its past glories on the World Cup stage. While the Czechs have been ever-present at the European Championship since gaining independence ahead of the 1996 tournament, their World Cup record is less illustrious, with their last appearance ending in a group-stage exit in 2006. Hašek’s side, however, are determined to change that narrative, and their perfect start to the 2026 qualifying campaign has put them in pole position. Victories over the Faroe Islands (2-1), Gibraltar (4-0), and Montenegro (2-0) have showcased their ability to grind out results against lesser opponents while maintaining an attacking edge. The Czech Republic’s current eight-game unbeaten run, which includes six wins and two draws, is a testament to their consistency and growing confidence. Leading Group L with nine points, they are firmly on course to secure a spot at the World Cup, but the clash against Croatia represents their toughest test yet. The Czechs’ attacking output has been spearheaded by Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick, who has already scored four goals in their three qualifiers, making him one of the competition’s standout performers. However, concerns linger over the fitness of Adam Hložek, who was substituted early in the Montenegro game due to injury, potentially paving the way for Lukáš Provod to step into the starting lineup. With their blend of experience and emerging talent, the Czech Republic will look to exploit any lapses in Croatia’s game while maintaining the defensive solidity that has underpinned their unbeaten streak.
Tactically, both managers face critical decisions that could tip the scales in this high-stakes encounter. For Croatia, Zlatko Dalić is likely to build on the momentum from their 7-0 thrashing of Gibraltar, where their attacking fluidity and clinical finishing were on full display. Luka Modrić, the 39-year-old midfield maestro, started that game on the bench but is expected to return to the starting XI, partnering Lovro Majer in central midfield. Modrić’s vision, composure, and ability to dictate the tempo will be crucial against a Czech side known for its high-pressing game. Mario Pašalić, who offers versatility and goal-scoring threat from an advanced midfield role, is likely to play just ahead of Modrić and Majer, providing a link between midfield and attack. Up front, Ante Budimir, fresh off a prolific season with Osasuna where he scored 24 goals in 42 appearances, will lead the line after finding the net against Gibraltar. Budimir’s physical presence and aerial ability could pose problems for the Czech defense, particularly if Croatia can deliver quality service from the flanks. Defensively, Dalić will rely on the experience of players like Joško Gvardiol and Josip Stanišić to neutralize the threat posed by Schick and the Czechs’ attacking unit. Croatia’s ability to maintain their defensive structure while exploiting their attacking depth will be key, especially given their inconsistent recent form, which has seen them drop points against lesser opponents.
For the Czech Republic, Ivan Hašek’s game plan will likely center on maintaining their high-intensity pressing and capitalizing on transitions, a strategy that has served them well in their opening qualifiers. Patrik Schick’s goal-scoring form makes him the focal point of their attack, and his ability to convert half-chances could prove decisive against a Croatian defense that has shown occasional vulnerabilities. The potential absence of Adam Hložek is a blow, but Lukáš Provod’s energy and creativity could provide a different dynamic in the attacking third. Hašek’s midfield, likely anchored by Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal, will need to disrupt Modrić’s rhythm while maintaining their own passing accuracy to feed Schick and the wingers. Defensively, the Czechs have been solid, conceding just one goal in their three qualifiers, but facing Croatia’s attacking firepower will test their resilience. Hašek may opt for a compact 4-2-3-1 formation to crowd the midfield and limit Croatia’s space, while relying on Schick’s clinical finishing to punish any defensive errors. The Czech Republic’s unbeaten run and superior recent form give them a psychological edge, but they will need to navigate the hostile atmosphere at the Opus Arena and Croatia’s wealth of big-game experience to secure a result.
The historical context of this fixture adds further intrigue, as Croatia’s unbeaten record against the Czech Republic in recent years suggests they know how to handle their opponents. However, the Czechs’ current form and Hašek’s tactical acumen make this a far more balanced contest than past encounters might suggest. For Croatia, a victory would reinforce their status as Group L favorites and send a message to their rivals, while a win for the Czech Republic would solidify their position at the top of the group and boost their hopes of ending a 20-year World Cup drought. The Opus Arena, packed with passionate Croatian fans, will provide a cauldron-like atmosphere, but the Czechs’ resilience and attacking threat make them a genuine danger. As both teams prepare for this pivotal clash, the outcome will hinge on fine margins—whether it’s Modrić’s magic in midfield, Schick’s lethal finishing, or a moment of defensive brilliance. This match is not just about three points; it’s about setting the tone for the rest of the qualifying campaign and proving who has the mettle to shine on the world’s biggest stage.
