Read our Croatia vs Spain prediction with expert betting tips, lineups, and odds. Get the latest match insights and bet builder picks for this clash.
Croatia vs Spain Match Summary
Competition | UEFA Nations League |
|---|---|
Match Date | Tuesday 6 October 2026 |
Match Time | 19:45 UK time |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Split, Stadion Poljud |
Croatia vs Spain at Stadion Poljud puts a wounded home side up against the leaders of their UEFA Nations League group, and the gap between them looks wide.
Croatia were thrashed 7-0 by England in front of their own fans on Saturday, the heaviest defeat in the history of the men's national team. Slaven Bilic has some serious repair work to do.
Spain, by contrast, have a perfect record in the group after beating Czechia 3-1, and Lamine Yamal is in the sort of scoring form that keeps defenders up at night.
Spain have won four of the previous meetings between these sides, with Croatia winning just one. A point in Split would be enough for the visitors to seal qualification.
Croatia vs Spain Form
Croatia's form is grim. They have lost three of their last four internationals and sit third in a four-team group, with the defence badly exposed. Ivan Perisic's delivery from left-back is still their most reliable outlet, and Bilic needs his experienced heads, Luka Modric included, to drag this side back into shape quickly.
Spain are flying. Top of the group with a flawless start, they have scored 3+ goals in 3 of their last 3 Nations League A matches. Lamine Yamal is the headline act, having scored in each of his last three appearances in the competition, while Álex Baena keeps supplying from the left.
Croatia vs Spain Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
Croatia: J. Juranovic (Injured/out), M. Erlic (Injured/out)
Spain: J. García (Injured/out), E. García (Injured/out), P. Porro (Injured/out), A. Grimaldo (Injured/out), F. Torres (Injured/out), N. Williams (Doubtful)
Croatia
Slaven Bilic is set to make changes after the humiliation against England. Nikola Vlasic, Igor Matanovic and Josip Sutalo are all expected to start, while Josip Juranovic and Martin Erlic are both missing through injury.
Spain
Ferran Torres has left the camp with an ankle injury and is ruled out, with Carlos Espi called up to replace him. Nico Williams is a doubt, but the probable Croatia vs Spain lineups have Mikel Merino, Pau Cubarsí and Marc Cucurella among those set to start.
Croatia vs Spain Predicted Lineup
Croatia
Formation: 4-2-3-1 (probable)
Predicted Starting Lineup: Livakovic; Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Perisic; Modric, Kovacic; L. Sucic, P. Sucic, Vlasic; Matanovic (probable)
Spain
Formation: 4-2-3-1 (probable)
Predicted Starting Lineup: Simón; Pubill, Cubarsí, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri; Yamal, Merino, Baena; Oyarzabal (probable)
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Croatia vs Spain Key Stats & Match Facts
There have been 5+ goals scored in 3 of the last 3 meetings between Croatia and Spain (UEFA Nations League A).
Croatia have seen over 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches against Spain in all competitions.
Spain have scored at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches against Croatia in all competitions.
Spain have had 15+ shots in 3 of their last 3 matches (UEFA Nations League A).
Croatia have received 2+ cards in 3 of their last 3 matches against Spain (UEFA Nations League A).
Croatia vs Spain Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: Croatia 1-3 Spain. The Croatia vs Spain betting odds have the visitors as heavy favourites at 3/10 with Ladbrokes, and there is little in Croatia's recent outings to suggest they can keep Yamal and company quiet. The hosts can nick a goal in front of their own crowd, but Spain's attack simply has too much for a defence that is low on confidence.
Best Bets
Spain +0.25 in the Asian Handicap market. Spain top the group and have won four of the previous meetings with Croatia, so taking a quarter-goal of cover on the in-form side against a bruised home team makes plenty of sense.
Spain +2 in the Handicaps market. Spain have scored at least twice in five of their last six matches against Croatia in all competitions. Handing them a head start on top of that offers a big cushion against a side still reeling from their last outing.
Croatia vs Spain Bet Builder
Our Croatia vs Spain bet builder tips are built around Spain's attack: Lamine Yamal to score anytime, Spain to score over 2.5 goals and Álex Baena to register an assist.
Lamine Yamal has scored in 3 of his last 3 Nations League A appearances. Up against a shaken Croatia back line, backing him to find the net again looks a solid starting point for this build.
Spain have scored 3+ goals in 3 of their last 3 Nations League A matches. Croatia's defence has offered very little resistance lately, so another big Spanish haul looks well within reach.
Álex Baena has provided assists in 2 of his last 3 Nations League A appearances. His delivery from the left feeds straight into the Yamal and Oyarzabal threat.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 11/2 and is as short as 4/1 elsewhere.
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Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
Croatia vs Spain Talking Points
The big question is how Croatia react. Slaven Bilic was only appointed for his second spell in charge in July, and captain Luka Modric said the England defeat was the first time in his international career he had felt ashamed after a match. Pride will count for something at Poljud, but pride alone does not stop Yamal. Spain need just a point to seal qualification, although Luis de la Fuente's side have shown no sign of settling for draws, which is why our Croatia vs Spain best bets stick firmly with the visitors.
Croatia vs Spain Predictions FAQs
When is the Croatia vs Spain UEFA Nations League game?
Croatia vs Spain kicks off at 19:45 UK time on Tuesday 6 October 2026.
Where is Croatia vs Spain being played?
The match is being played at Stadion Poljud in Split.
What competition is Croatia vs Spain in?
Croatia vs Spain is a UEFA Nations League fixture.
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