2026-2027 Nations League: Czech Republic vs. Croatia, Probable Lineups

The Czech Republic and Croatia take the field at 8:45 p.m. for their match on Matchday 1 of Group 1 in League A of the 2026–2027 Nations League. England and Spain are also in the same group and will play at Wembley at the same time. Both the Czechs and the Croatians are coming off the World Cup: the hosts failed to win a single match and were eliminated in Group A, while the checkered-shirted national team was knocked out in the round of 16 by Portugal.

The Czech Republic, which has never beaten Croatia in an official match, is relying on the Sulc-Hlozek duo up front. In midfield are Kral, Cerv, and Sadilek, while Coufal and Karabec are on the wings.

Slaven Bilic begins his second stint as Croatia’s head coach by fielding Budimir as the focal point up front, with Vlasic, Sucic, and Baturina creating opportunities behind him. Kovacic and Modric are the playmakers in midfield. Gvardiol is expected to play on the left, with Sutalo and Pongracic as center backs.

Czech Republic vs. Croatia: Probable Lineups
Czech Republic (3-5-2): Kovar; Vitik, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Kral, Cerv, Sadilek, Karabec; Sulc, Hlozek. Head Coach: Denia.
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; Vlasic, Sucic, Baturina; Budimir. Head Coach: Bilic.

At a press conference, Bilic had this to say about Luka Modric and his role: “We’re all extremely happy that Luka is staying on. His desire to play and his passion for Croatia have never been in question. He’s the last person who wants to coast along for free—whether at the club or on the national team. As long as he plays for Milan, and as long as he’s important to them, he’ll also play for us.”