With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, Colombia and Croatia are stepping up their preparations with a tasty international friendly in Orlando, Florida, this Thursday night.
Colombia are getting ready to make their World Cup return, and they have pencilled in a number of big matches against international heavyweights ahead of the tournament.
Croatia are also set to test themselves against top opposition as they look to continue their incredible form at World Cup tournaments.
Check out our prediction, preview and betting tips, including the latest odds. If you want more, make sure to visit our Today’s betting tips page for expert predictions.
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Colombia vs Croatia key stats
- Only Argentina scored more goals than Colombia during CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers.
- Colombia and Croatia have never gone head-to-head in an international fixture.
- Croatia have won seven of their last eight international matches.
- Croatia have finished on the podium in their last two World Cup campaigns.
Colombia vs Croatia: World Cup preparations continue
| Colombia | vs | Croatia |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd (World Cup Qualifying) | Position | 1st (World Cup Qualifying) |
| 28 | Points | 22 |
| 28 | Goals For | 26 |
| 18 | Goals Against | 4 |
| 6th | Home Rank | 1st |
| 3rd | Away Rank | 1st |
After missing the 2022 World Cup, Colombia are back in the tournament following a sterling CONMEBOL qualification campaign.
Nestor Lorenzo’s men only lost four of their 18 matches, finishing third in the standings with an impressive 28 points to their name.
Colombia have only conceded one goal across their last four international matches.
One of the most outstanding things about Colombia during the qualifiers was their goalscoring ability, with Argentina being the only nation to have rattled the net more often than Los Cafeteros.
That goalscoring trend has continued in recent months, with the nation scoring six against Venezuela, four against Mexico and three in their latest outing against Australia.
Colombia will be thoroughly tested ahead of their World Cup return as they prepare to take on Croatia and France during this international break.
Lorenzo still has a lot of experience in his squad, with captain James Rodriguez, forward Luis Diaz and goalkeeper David Ospina boasting well over 300 international appearances.
Croatia have scored exactly three goals in their last three competitive matches.
Nevertheless, there are a couple of high-profile absentees, with Yerry Mina and former Aston Villa man Jhon Duran missing out on selection.
When it comes to Croatia, experience is also an area they excel in.
The likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric and Mario Pasalic have been with the national side for years.
All those names are back in the squad for this latest round of international friendlies, and they will be looking to underline their position in the squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Croatia have performed sensationally at the event over the last eight years, making one final and finishing third as well.
Emulating those achievements will be difficult for Zlatko Dalic and his ageing squad, though with seven wins from their last eight international matches, they do not seem to be slowing down.
There are a couple of notable absentees for the Croats, with Manchester City duo Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic missing out through injuries. However, that could open the door for a couple of the youngsters in the squad.
With friendlies against Brazil and Belgium still to come, some of the fringe players in the side still have an opportunity to make a case before the World Cup.
Colombia vs Croatia form guide & betting tips
| Colombia | vs | Croatia |
|---|---|---|
| W-W-D-W-W | Form | W-D-W-W-W |
| 15 | Goals For | 13 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 3 |
| W-W-D-W-W | Form (All Competitions) | W-D-W-W-W |
Whispers predicts: Colombia 2-1 Croatia
Colombia have performed well in attacking areas over recent months, meaning they are worth backing in the goalscoring markets.
Over 2.5 goals in this game is certainly worth consideration at around even money.
Both teams to score landed in Croatia’s previous two outings, and that market is also available at an attractive price of 4/5.
When it comes to the outrights, Colombia are the ones to back at 23/20. The South American side will feel more at home in Orlando than Croatia, and they are also in terrific form.
> Colombia to win at 23/20 | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 2.5 Goals at 1/1 | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score - yes at 4/5 | Likelihood: Probable