Prague's Fortuna Arena will witness a crucial clash between the Czech Republic and Croatia, two teams competing for the first place in Group L of the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The Czechs need to win to stay alive in the fight for direct qualification, while the Croatians are looking to keep their undefeated record and consolidate their leadership.
The match has all the ingredients of an intense battle: revenge, pressure and ambition. In the previous duel, the Croatians crushed the Czechs 5-1 in Osijek, a result that still weighs heavily on the memory of the home team. Now, with the support of their fans and the obligation to win, the Czechs promise a more competitive version against one of the most experienced teams on the continent.
Czech Republic: Wounded Pride and the Need for Reaction
The Czech Republic has had a bumpy ride in these qualifiers. After a promising start, the blow suffered against Croatia halted their momentum and raised doubts about Ivan Hašek's project. However, the recent 2-0 win over Montenegro brought some calm and allowed the coach to keep his job at a key moment in the process.
The main challenge for the Czechs will be to overcome injuries. Adam Hložek and Patrik Schick, their main attacking players, will not be available due to injury, which means that they will have to look for alternatives in attack. Veteran Matěj Vydra returns to the squad after a long time out, and is expected to bring experience and sacrifice on the offensive front.
Despite the absences, the team maintains an orderly structure. Its defense, led by Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal, will try to stop the Croatian power. The locale will be a determining factor, as the team has shown a more solid version in Prague, where it usually finds an extra boost thanks to its fans.
Keys to the Czech Republic
- Important offensive casualties: Hložek and Schick will not be available.
- Solid performance at home, key to maintaining aspirations.
- Extra motivation due to the defeat suffered in the previous game.
Croatia: Experience, Hierarchy And Winning Mentality
Croatia is in a great moment. Zlatko Dalić's team is on a run of four consecutive victories with an impressive record of 17 goals scored and only one conceded. The Balkan squad has found a balance between its historic golden generation and new talents who bring energy and dynamism.
The figure of Luka Modrić continues to be the lighthouse of the team. Despite his seniority, the midfielder maintains an outstanding level for Milan and is the lynchpin of a midfield that combines control and precision. In attack, Andrej Kramarić and Ivan Perišić are the main threats, providing goals and leadership.
The only notable absence is Josip Stanišić, who was not called up due to injury, but the rest of the squad is in top form. With a well-organized defense and a reliable goalkeeper like Dominik Livaković, Croatia will look to repeat the formula that worked for them a month ago: ball control, patience in construction and effectiveness in the opponent's area.
Keys to Croatia
- Dominant streak: 4 wins in a row, 17 goals scored.
- Veteranship and leadership: Modrić, Perišić and Kramarić continue to lead the way.
- Solid defense: only one goal conceded in the last five games.
Performance Comparison
The statistical difference is evident. Croatia has been more forceful and consistent, while the Czech Republic relies on a collective effort to compensate for the lack of offensive stars. However, the Czechs have home advantage, something that has historically helped them level the playing field.
| Appearance | Czech Republic | Croatia |
| Last 5 games | 2 wins, 2 ties, 1 loss | 4 wins, 1 tie |
| Goals scored (last 5) | 8 | 17 |
| Goals received (last 5) | 6 | 1 |
| Key players | Souček, Coufal, Vydra | Modrić, Perišić, Kramarić |
| Result of the last confrontation | 1-5 (loss) | 5-1 (victory) |
Decisive Factors and Prognosis
The match promises to be a tight and tightly contested midfield. The Czech Republic will try to slow down the Croatian pace and take advantage of the pressure of playing at home, but the absence of their first-choice strikers limits their offensive potential. Croatia, on the other hand, arrives with the confidence of recent results and a more complete squad.
The key will be in the ball handling. If Modrić and Brozović manage to impose their game, the visitors could control the tempo of the match and generate the necessary opportunities to make the difference. The Czechs will have to resist and take advantage of any mistakes to surprise in quick transitions.
Although recent history clearly favors the Croatians, local motivation and the desire for revenge may balance the actions. Even so, the hierarchy and experience of the Balkan team seem to be enough to tip the balance in their favor.
Final prediction: Czech Republic 1 - 2 Croatia.
Croatia confirms its leadership in the group with a hard-earned victory in Prague. The quality of their midfield and the effectiveness of their strikers made the difference against a combative Czech Republic, who left a good feeling but could not stop the reigning world runners-up.
