Croatia vs Spain Lineups, Prediction, Betting Picks & Odds
Read our Croatia vs Spain prediction with expert betting picks, lineups, and odds. Discover the top Same Game Parlay picks for this huge Nations League game.
Cody Moore - October 6, 2026, 12:49 PM EDT
6 minutesCroatia vs Spain Game Preview
Competition | UEFA Nations League |
|---|---|
Game Date | Tuesday, October 6, 2026 |
Game Time | 2:45 PM ET / 11:45 AM PT |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Stadion Poljud |
Croatia host Spain at Stadion Poljud in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday, and the timing could hardly be worse for a home side still picking up the pieces.
Croatia were humiliated 7-0 by England on home soil, the heaviest men's defeat in their national team history. Slaven Bilic has promised changes, and he needs them to work immediately.
Spain top the standings with a perfect nine points. The Croatia vs Spain betting odds reflect that gap, with Spain priced at -333 (Ladbrokes) on the moneyline.
Spain have won four previous meetings between these sides. Croatia have managed just a single victory in this matchup, and their current slump gives them little reason for optimism.
Croatia vs Spain Recent Results
Croatia are in a full-blown slump. England's demolition job in front of the home crowd, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka both bagging braces, made it three defeats in their last four international games. Ivan Perisic remains their most dependable creator from left back, but the defense has offered nothing to build on.
Spain have been flawless in the Nations League, most recently beating a short-handed Czechia side 3-1 on home soil. Three straight outings have brought at least four goals apiece for Luis de la Fuente's side. Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena have been the sharpest edges of that attack.
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 (Injured/doubtful)
Croatia
Slaven Bilic will shake things up after the England defeat. Nikola Vlasic, Igor Matanovic and Josip Sutalo are expected to start, while J. Juranovic and M. Erlic remain sidelined through injury.
Spain
The biggest change to the Croatia vs Spain lineups on the visiting side comes up front. Ferran Torres has left camp with an ankle injury, and Carlos Espi has been called up to replace him. Mikel Merino, Pau Cubarsí and Marc Cucurella are among those likely to start.
Croatia vs Spain Predicted Lineup
Croatia
Formation: 4-2-3-1 (probable)
Predicted Starting Lineup: Probable XI: D. Livakovic; J. Sutalo, L. Vuskovic, J. Gvardiol, I. Perisic; L. Modric, M. Kovacic; L. Sucic, P. Sucic, N. Vlasic; I. Matanovic
Spain
Formation: 4-2-3-1 (probable)
Predicted Starting Lineup: Probable XI: U. Simón; M. Pubill, P. Cubarsí, D. Huijsen, M. Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri; L. Yamal, M. Merino, Á. Baena; M. Oyarzabal
Croatia vs Spain Key Stats & Game Facts
- There have been 5+ goals scored in 3 of the last 3 meetings between Croatia and Spain (UEFA Nations League A).
- Spain have had 15+ shots in 3 of their last 3 games (UEFA Nations League A).
- Lamine Yamal has scored in 3 of his last 3 appearances (UEFA Nations League A).
- Ivan Perisic has provided assists in 2 of his last 3 appearances (UEFA Nations League A).
- Croatia have received 2+ cards in 3 of their last 3 games vs Spain (UEFA Nations League A).
Croatia vs Spain Prediction & Best Picks
Our Prediction
Our Croatia vs Spain prediction is a 3-1 win for Spain. Croatia's back line has been carved open, and Spain have found the net at least twice in five of their last six outings against Croatia in all competitions. With Rodri and Pedri running midfield and Yamal attacking a reshuffled defense, the home side's best hope is a consolation goal, not a result.
Best Picks
Spain to Win in the Moneyline market. The price is short for a reason. Spain lead the standings while Croatia sit third, and nothing about Croatia's recent outings suggests they can live with Rodri and Pedri in the middle of the field.
Both Teams To Score: Yes in the Both Teams To Score market. Croatia have gone over 2.5 total goals in six of their past seven meetings with Spain across all competitions, and our projection has the hosts getting on the scoresheet. Spain's defense is also patched up, with Porro, Grimaldo and both Garcías out, which gives Vlasic and Matanovic something to aim at.
Croatia vs Spain Same Game Parlay
Our Croatia vs Spain same game parlay picks lean fully on the visitors' attack: Lamine Yamal to score, Spain over 2.5 goals and Álex Baena to register an assist.
Lamine Yamal in the Anytime Goalscorer market is the headline leg. He has found the net in each of his last three appearances for the national team and will start on the right.
Over 2.5 in the Total Away Goals market backs Spain to keep piling it on. They have hit three or more goals in each of their last three outings.
Alex Baena Over 0.5 in the Player Assists market rounds things out. Baena has set up a teammate twice across his last three caps from the left.
Four legs make up the full ticket here, all built around Spain's attack continuing its run against a leaky Croatia defense.
At the time of writing, this Same Game Parlay pays a best price of +525 and is as short as +400 elsewhere. That's a difference in potential winnings of $13 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.
Croatia vs Spain Talking Points
The matchup to watch is on Croatia's left, where Ivan Perisic, a creator more than a stopper, has to deal with Lamine Yamal. That is a worrying assignment for a team that has shipped 12 goals in this Nations League campaign. Slaven Bilic's answer is fresh faces, with Josip Sutalo coming in at right back and Nikola Vlasic and Igor Matanovic further forward. Spain, meanwhile, lose Ferran Torres, which puts the scoring load on Mikel Oyarzabal and the wide men. That imbalance is why our Croatia vs Spain best picks lean toward Spain's attack.
Croatia vs Spain Predictions FAQs
When does the Croatia vs Spain game kick off?
The game kicks off at 2:45 PM ET / 11:45 AM PT on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Where is Croatia vs Spain being played?
The game is being played at Stadion Poljud.
What are the probable lineups for Croatia vs Spain?
Croatia's probable starting lineup includes Livakovic, Perisic, Gvardiol, Vuskovic, Sutalo, Modric, Kovacic, N. Vlasic, P. Sucic, L. Sucic, and Matanovic. Spain's expected lineup features Simón, Cucurella, Huijsen, Cubarsí, Pubill, Pedri, Rodri, Baena, Merino, Yamal, and Oyarzabal.
What is the latest team and injury news for Croatia vs Spain?
Croatia are without J. Juranovic and M. Erlic due to injury. Spain will be missing F. Torres, J. García, E. García, P. Porro, and A. Grimaldo through injury, while N. Williams is doubtful.
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