World Cup qualifiers 2026: Croatia-Czech Republic, likely lineups

Already a decisive match in European qualifying Group L: Croatia and the Czech Republic are playing for heavy points in the race for first place, the only direct pass to the World Cup. The spotlight is all on Luka Modric, Croatian soccer legend and now close to a sensational move to AC Milan after the end of his glorious experience at Real Madrid.

The national team led by Zlatko Dalic made its debut in this qualifying window with an overwhelming 7-0 thrashing of Gibraltar, dragged by a stellar offensive department: scoring Budimir, Perisic, Pasalic and Kramaric (two goals), in addition to young Ivanovic, who also scored two goals. A clear success, but one that now needs to be confirmed against an opponent of a completely different caliber.

The Czech Republic in fact comes from three wins in as many matches and currently leads the group with full points. After a hard-fought debut against the Faroe Islands (2-1), Ivan Hasek’s lineup picked up the pace, beating Gibraltar 4-0 away and overcoming Montenegro 2-0 in their last outing, thanks to goals from Hlozek and Schick.

Probable lineups

Croatia (4-2-3-1): Livakovic; Stanisic, Caleta-Car, Pongracic, Juranovic; P. Sucic, Modric; L. Sucic, Pasalic, Perisic; Budimir. Ct: Dalic.

Czech Republic (4-2-3-1): Kovar; Coufal, Holes, Krejci, Zeleny; Soucek, Cerv; Cerny, Sulc, Hlozek; Schick. Ct: Hasek.