Croatia face their first major test of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers when they host group leaders Czech Republic in a pivotal Group L clash at Osijek’s Opus Arena on Monday, 9 June.
View our free Croatia vs Czech Republic predictions below.
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Croatia vs Czech Republic prediction: Tightly fought encounter on the cards
Key stats
- Croatia claimed their biggest win in nine years, hammering Gibraltar 7-0 in their opening qualifier.
- The Vatreni have won just two of their last six games across all competitions.
- Czech Republic have won each of their three qualifiers, scoring eight in the process.
- Naroďak are unbeaten since going 4-1 down to Georgia last September.
Correct score prediction: Croatia 2-1 Czech Republic
Fresh off their biggest win in nearly a decade, Zlatko Dalic’s men enter this clash with momentum – hoping to leave their UEFA Nations League demons behind with back-to-back victories. Home advantage bolsters their cause, but Czech Republic will be no walkovers.
The visitors sit atop Group L after three straight wins, including their clinical 2-0 win over Montenegro last matchday. However, when these European forces collide at Opus Arena, expect Croatia’s pedigree to prevail and slightly disturb Czech Republic’s pursuit of a first World Cup appearance since 2006.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Hosts with the bookmakers’ edge
- HOME: 4/5 (1.80) – 55.55%
- DRAW: 27/10 (3.70) – 27%
- AWAY: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Croatia’s pedigree as a consistent European threat makes them favourites to grab all three points, backed with odds of 4/5 (1.80), indicating a 55.55% chance of success. In contrast, Czech Republic haven’t faced a team of Croatia’s caliber in a while.
Ivan Hasek will see this as a must-win fixture, but as evidenced by the bookmakers, they are expected to bow out without a point, with a 23.8% win probability hanging over their heads.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Croatia eye prolonging unbeaten streak
The Czechs have never beaten Croatia in their previous meetings (D2, L1), though both competitive encounters between the sides have ended on level terms.
- Croatia 1-1 Czech Republic – UEFA European Championships 2020 (18/06/2021)
- Czech Republic 2-2 Croatia – UEFA European Championships 2020 (17/06/2016)
- Croatia 4-2 Czech Republic – International Friendly (09/02/2011)
- Croatia 1-1 Czech Republic (4-1 on penalties) – Hassan II Trophy (12/12/1996)
Croatia preview: Dalic to stick to his original plan
Eyeing yet another successful qualification campaign, Croatia head into this clash without four players: Martin Erlic, Borna Sosa, Mateo Kovacic and Luka Ivanusec.
Predicted lineup: Livakovic (GK), Stanisic, Caleta-Car, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Modric, Majer, Baturina, Pasalic, Perisic, Budimir
UEFA Nations League 23/03/25
L
France
2
Croatia
0
UEFA Nations League 20/03/25
W
France
0
Croatia
2
UEFA Nations League A 18/11/24
D
Portugal
1
Croatia
1
UEFA Nations League A 15/11/24
L
Scotland
1
Croatia
0
UEFA Nations League A 15/10/24
D
Poland
3
Croatia
3
Czech Republic preview: Can they keep up the winning momentum?
Hasek has a near-perfect squad for their visit to eastern Croatia, with Jan Kliment the only player confirmed to miss the class with a broken calf bone. Meanwhile, Adam Hlozek remains questionable with an ankle injury.
Predicted lineup: Kovar (GK), Coufal, Holes, Krejci, Zeleny, Soucek, Cerv, Cerny, Sulc, Provod, Schick
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/25
W
Gibraltar
0
Czechia
4
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 22/03/25
W
Faroe Islands
1
Czechia
2
UEFA Nations League B 19/11/24
W
Georgia
1
Czechia
2
UEFA Nations League B 16/11/24
D
Albania
0
Czechia
0
UEFA Nations League B 14/10/24
D
Ukraine
1
Czechia
1
Player to Watch: Ante Budimir
The Osasuna marksman made his mark in La Liga and continued his goalscoring touch against Gibraltar by capitalising on a scrappy clearance. He is in hot form, with an impressive 24 goals to his name the previous season. Expect him to make a difference up front for Croatia.