Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Group L sides Croatia and Czech Republic are set to clash at the Opus Arena on Monday evening in UEFA 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying.
Croatia began their campaign in dominant fashion with a 7-0 thrashing of Gibraltar, while the Czech Republic boast a perfect start, having won all three of their qualifying matches so far.
Croatia
Croatia ed UEFA in June 1993, three months after the 1994 World Cup qualifiers had begun, excluding them from that tournament. As a result, their first qualifying campaign came ahead of Euro 1996, where they reached the quarter-finals, and they’ve since featured in 14 of the 16 major tournaments.
Under Zlatko Dalic—who took charge in October 2017—Croatia have enjoyed a golden era, finishing as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and third in 2022. Now a European powerhouse, they are firm favourites to top Group L, and victory over their main rivals on Monday would be a major step toward that goal.
Croatia opened their qualifying campaign with a resounding 7-0 win over Gibraltar, boosting morale ahead of the Czech Republic showdown. They also hold a three-match unbeaten streak against Monday’s visitors, with one win and two draws.
Team News
Croatia are expected to field a largely unchanged lineup after their emphatic 7-0 win over Gibraltar, with several key starters retaining their roles. Luka Modrić, who began that match on the bench, is likely to return to the starting XI and partner Lovro Majer in midfield, while Mario Pašalić is set to operate just ahead of them in a more advanced role.
In attack, Ante Budimir – fresh from a prolific 24-goal campaign with Osasuna and a goal last time out – is expected to lead the line again on Monday.
Czech Republic
Yet, for all the success the Croats have had over the last three decades, the Czech Republic arrive to Osijek in stronger overall form, unbeaten in their last eight matches with six wins and two draws, compared to Croatia’s two wins from their last six.
Ivan Hasek’s side have won all three qualifiers so far—beating Faroe Islands (2-1), Gibraltar (4-0), and Montenegro (2-0)—to top Group L with nine points.
The triumph over Montenegro, which happened on Friday, was achieved through goals from Adam Hlozek and Patrik Schick, either side of the break. It will have given them confidence as they prepare to face another country born on the ruins of former Yugoslavia.
Aiming for their first World Cup appearance since 2006, Czech Republic have consistently reached the Euros since achieving independence in in time for the tournament of 1996 and will hope to carry that qualifying consistency into the remainder of their World Cup campaign.
Team News
For the Czech Republic, in-form striker Patrik Schick, who has netted four times in three World Cup qualifiers, should spearhead the attack once more. However, Adam Hlozek is a doubt after suffering an injury just 28 minutes into the win over Montenegro. If he is unavailable, Lukas Provod is the likely candidate to start in his place.
Conclusion
With both Croatia and Czech Republic emerging as the leading contenders to progress from Group L, Monday’s showdown could prove decisive in the battle for top spot.
Croatia have held the upper hand in recent meetings – unbeaten in their last three clashes with two draws and a win – and their depth of quality across the pitch gives them a slight edge. While the Czech Republic arrive in stronger form overall, Croatia’s experience and technical superiority, especially in midfield, may prove the difference.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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