Spain vs Croatia Lineups, Prediction, Betting Picks & Odds

Spain vs Croatia Game Preview

This Spain vs Croatia prediction lands on a big night in Seville, where the newly crowned world champions play their first competitive game on home soil since lifting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Spain arrive chasing a ninth straight international win after a 3-2 comeback at England, and Luis de la Fuente's side sit top of League A Group 3 with three points.

Croatia are level with Spain on three points after winning their opener, with veteran captain Luka Modric still pulling the strings in a midfield built to frustrate.

Both teams enter tied at the top of the group, so this matchup carries early control of the standings for whoever comes out on top in Seville.

Spain vs Croatia Recent Results

Spain look relentless right now. They scored twice in the final half-hour to beat England 3-2 at Wembley, and La Roja are now hunting a ninth consecutive international victory. Alex Baena scored and assisted off the bench in that game and should start here, with Mikel Oyarzabal expected back in attack alongside Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo.

Croatia are in decent shape too, winning three of their last four. In their Nations League opener they responded well after Adam Karabec's 54th-minute equalizer, with Marco Pasalic's late strike sealing three points. Modric remains the heartbeat in midfield, but this is a far tougher test than their group opener presented.

Spain vs Croatia Lineups & Team News

Injuries & Suspensions

Spain: J. García (Injured/out), Eric García (Injured/out), Pedro Porro (Injured/out)

Croatia: Josip Juranovic (Injured/out), Marko Erlic (Injured/out), Martin Baturina (Injured/doubtful)

Spain

Defender Eric Garcia has left the national team camp after feeling some knee discomfort, adding to Spain's absences. Alex Baena scored and assisted from the bench against England and should get the start on Tuesday, while Mikel Oyarzabal is likely to be recalled to lead the attack.

Croatia

There are concerns over Martin Baturina's fitness heading into gameweek two of the Nations League, leaving him doubtful. With that in mind, Croatia could recall Ante Budimir up top and bring Marco Pasalic back into the wide areas for this trip to Seville.

Spain vs Croatia Predicted Lineup

Spain

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: Simón; Cucurella, Huijsen, Cubarsí, Pubill; F. Ruiz, Rodri; Baena, Olmo, Yamal; Oyarzabal

Croatia

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: Livakovic; Perisic, Gvardiol, Vuskovic, Stanisic; Modric, Kovacic; M. Pasalic, P. Sucic, L. Sucic; Budimir

Spain vs Croatia Key Stats & Game Facts

• A Spain win landed in 8 of their last 10 games against all opponents in the UEFA Nations League.
• A Croatia win landed in 7 of their last 10 games against all opponents in the UEFA Nations League.
• Spain carry the top standing and form ranking in the group heading into this matchup.

Spain vs Croatia Prediction & Best Picks

Our Prediction

Spain are the clear favorites at home and the numbers back it up. With Rodri screening the backline and a front line of Yamal, Olmo and Oyarzabal humming, La Roja should control this one. Our prediction is a comfortable 2-0 Spain win.

Best Picks

Back Spain to lead at half-time and win at full-time in the Half Time/Full Time market. This one lives in the Half Time/Full Time market. Spain are strong home favorites at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, and their high-tempo front line featuring Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo tends to get on the board early, making a lead at the break and a full-time win a better play than the flat moneyline.

Back No in the Both Teams To Score market. This sits in the Both Teams To Score market. Spain shut out Croatia in their most recent competitive meeting, and with Rodri protecting the defense and Croatia juggling fitness concerns across their attack, a Spanish clean sheet is well within reach.

Spain vs Croatia Same Game Parlay

Our Spain vs Croatia Same Game Parlay picks lean on the hosts: Spain to win, Mikel Oyarzabal to score anytime, No in Both Teams To Score, and Josip Misic to be shown a card.

Spain are strong home favorites with a ninth straight win in sight, and playing in front of their own fans in Seville they should have too much for Croatia.

Oyarzabal is set to be recalled to lead the line, and with the anytime goalscorer angle in play, he is a natural pick to find the net for the hosts.

With Rodri shielding the backline and Croatia managing attacking fitness issues, No in Both Teams To Score fits a projected Spanish clean sheet.

Josip Misic figures to be busy chasing Spain's central midfield, and a booking for a defensive-minded runner in a game like this is a live angle.

At the time of writing, this Same Game Parlay pays a best price of +900 and is as short as +636 elsewhere. That's a difference in potential winnings of $26 from best to worst price.

Make sure to get the best odds on your Same Game Parlay with Oddschecker's Exclusive Same Game Parlay Comparison Tool.

Same Game Parlay odds correct at time of publishing.

Spain vs Croatia Talking Points

Rotation is the theme for Spain, with Luis de la Fuente confirming changes are coming due to fixture congestion: "There are always players who bring freshness and energy." Even so, he is preaching focus after the England win, warning "there is no room for complacency, we have new goals, we want to keep developing." For Croatia, the story remains Luka Modric, who scored on Matchday 1 and continues to lead his country at age 41. That experience will be crucial as the visitors try to slow Spain's tempo and steal control of the standings in Seville.

Spain vs Croatia Predictions FAQs

When is the Spain vs Croatia UEFA Nations League game?

The Spain vs Croatia game is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2026, kicking off at 2:45 PM ET / 11:45 AM PT.

Where is the Spain vs Croatia game being played?

The game is being played at Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.

What are the projected starting lineups for Spain vs Croatia?

Spain's projected lineup includes Simón, Cucurella, Huijsen, Cubarsí, Pubill, Ruiz, Rodri, Baena, Olmo, Yamal, and Oyarzabal. Croatia's expected lineup features Livakovic, Perisic, Gvardiol, Vuskovic, Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, M. Pasalic, P. Sucic, L. Sucic, and Budimir.

What is the latest injury and team news for Spain vs Croatia?

Spain will be without Eric Garcia, J. Garcia, and Pedro Porro due to injury. Croatia are missing Josip Juranovic and Martin Erlic, while Martin Baturina remains doubtful.

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