World Cup 2026: Czechia and Croatia are Gunning for Pole Position

Czech Republic vs Croatia

Two of the standout teams in Group L are set to go head-to-head anew this Thursday, as the Czech Republic will host Croatia in Fortuna Arena for another round of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

These two nations are level with 12 points each, but Croatia are on top due to a superior goal difference (16 to 5) and a win over the Czech Republic previously. Zlatko Dalic’s men also have a game in hand, having played only four matches thus far, compared to Ivan Hasek’s side. Faroe Islands and Montenegro are also level with six points apiece, while Gibraltar are already out in the running because they have yet to get a point.

Seizing the top spot is the objective for the Czech Republic and Croatia, as doing so ensures a berth for next year’s showpiece tournament. On the other hand, the second seed will have to go through a gauntlet called the inter-confederation play-offs.

 

Talking Points

Czech Republic miss influential striker

Czech Republic will find it difficult to crack Croatia’s underrated backline, as they will continue without their star striker, Patrik Schick. Schick hasn’t played for Bayer Leverkusen since their 2-1 win against FC St. Pauli, as he is dealing with a hamstring injury. The 29-year-old centre-forward has 24 goals in 48 caps for the Croats.

Schick’s absence means more opportunities for Thomas Chory and Matej Vydra in the final third, and the veteran duo have 12 goals in 62 caps thus far. Captain Tomas Soucek remains the most experienced player on the team with 15 goals in 83 caps, and he’ll likely play alongside Lukas Cerv in a double pivot setup in the middle of the park. We will also see more of Pavel Sulc, Lukas Provod, and Vaclav Cerny this international break.

Matej Kovar is poised to man between the sticks, with Jindrich Stanek not named to the national team squad. Vladimir Coufal and Ladislav Krejci will need to be at their best defensively against Croatia.

 

Croatia make key lineup changes

Croatia can still beat Czech Republic this week, but they likely won’t score five goals this time. Still, they have enough firepower in the final third to see this through. Ante Budimir, Andrej Kramaric, and Ivan Perisic are still capable of finding the back of the net, with Luka Modric, Petar Sucic, and Mario Pasalic playing behind them in the middle of the park. Martin Baturina, Lovro Majer, and Mateo Kovacic could come off the bench.

Nikola Moro, Toni Fruk, Marco Pasalic, Franjo Ivanovic, Ivan Smolcic, and Luka Vuskovic will be hoping to get more opportunities this international break. Some of the Vatreni’s notable omissions are Nikola Vlasic, Bruno Petkovic, Borna Sosa, and Josip Stanisic.

​The Vatreni’s backline is also underrated, with Dominik Livakovic manning between the sticks, and Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, and Marin Pongracic leading the way. The standout among them has been Gvardiol, as Manchester City have gone unbeaten since he returned to the starting XI.

 

History

Croatia notched a 5-1 blowout of Czech Republic in their previous meeting in the qualifiers, as Andrej Kramaric (brace), Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, and Ante Budimir found the back of the net for the Vatreni. Tomas Soucek scored a second-half consolation goal for the Czechs.

Croatia aim to qualify for the World Cup for the fourth straight time. During their last participation in 2022, Croatia won the bronze medal after losing 3-0 to Argentina in the semi-finals and beating Morocco 2-1 in the third-place match. Their best finish in the competition was being the runners-up in 2018.

In contrast, Czech Republic last qualified for the World Cup in 2006, as they didn’t make it in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. Their best finish in the quadrennial meet was being the runners-up in 1934 and 1962.

 

Betting Tip

The World Cup 2026 odds predict a tight contest between Czech Republic and Croatia, which is in stark contrast to their previous encounter. Croatia have the slight edge at 2.34, whereas Czech Republic aren’t far behind at 2.89, and a draw is at 3.04 in the 1X2 market. Based on their previous meetings, fans who will watch this game at Fortuna Arena should get their dose of World Cup 2026 highlights. Besides our recommended bet, SBOTOP bettors can also add Over 2.00 at 1.78 and Total Goal 2-3 at 1.98 to the parlay, with Total Goal 4-6 at 4.25 being the bolder alternative. Moreover, a First Half Correct Score of 1-0 in favour of Croatia, which eventually became 5-1, is on offer at 3.52 your bet.

   

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