📢 Will the head-to-head clash between Croatia and the Czech Republic in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers be the highlight of the matchday? At Zagreb's Maksimir Stadium, the top contenders for the first place in Group L will face off. Both teams have started the qualification campaign strongly and currently look formidable. Croatia, traditionally dangerous, can surprise any opponent, while the Czech Republic are on a great run and remain unbeaten. This encounter promises to be a pivotal one and could set the tone for the entire battle for group supremacy.
Head-to-Head
📊 Over the past decade, Croatia and the Czech Republic have faced off twice, both times at the European Championships. In 2016, the teams played to a 2-2 draw, and in 2021, they once again shared the spoils with a 1-1 result. Both encounters took place during the group stage of the Euros and proved to be quite competitive.
Croatia Team Overview
🔴 The Croatian national team remains one of the most intriguing dark horses in European football, even as their star veterans gradually step back. The team recently reached the World Cup final in 2018 and secured a bronze medal in 2022, underscoring their consistency and knack for delivering results on the big stage. While the younger generation is beginning to take on key roles, Croatia continues to surprise top national teams. Their qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup kicked off in style with a commanding 7-0 victory over Gibraltar, once again highlighting their attacking prowess and ambitions.
Czech Republic Team Overview
⚪ The Czech national team is gradually reaching new heights, with emerging stars helping them increasingly surprise their opponents. They are on an eight-match unbeaten streak, indicating significant progress. In the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, Czech Republic have made a strong start with three victories—against the Faroe Islands (2-1), Gibraltar (4-0), and Montenegro (2-0)—securing the top spot in their group. This showcases the team's serious ambitions, clearly aiming for direct qualification to the global tournament.
Latest news
Croatia
✅ Last week, the Croatian national team delivered a commanding 7-0 victory over Gibraltar, showcasing a dominant performance. Several players from that starting lineup are expected to retain their spots in the upcoming match. Luka Modric began that game on the bench but is likely to start this time, partnering with Lovro Majer in midfield.
Czech Republic
✅ As for the Czech national team, Patrik Schick is in outstanding form, having already netted four goals in three matches during the current qualifying campaign. He is expected to start once again against Croatia. Meanwhile, Adam Hlozek remains doubtful after picking up an injury and being substituted in the 28th minute during the 2-0 victory over Montenegro.
⚽️ Goal Predictions
⚽️ Goal Predictions
Both national teams showcase an attacking style and rarely leave the pitch without finding the back of the net. Croatia consistently scores, even against top-tier opponents, utilizing both positional play and swift counter-attacks. Meanwhile, Czech Republic boasts a balanced attacking line capable of creating chances even in tight contests. The head-to-head history also supports this bet: in both matches between these teams over the past 10 years, both sides have scored. Considering the attacking potential and playing style of both teams, we predict both teams to score.
🚩 Corner Predictions
Both teams prefer to play on the front foot and attack aggressively, which directly impacts the number of corners earned. Croatia consistently applies pressure on their opponents' goal, as evidenced by their 12 corners in the recent match against Gibraltar (7-0). Czech Republic also showed attacking intent with 8 corners in their game against Montenegro (2-0). Given their similar playing styles and high tempo, it's reasonable to expect that the teams will comfortably surpass the 10-corner mark combined. Therefore, we are backing total corners over 9.5.
Editorial Prediction
Croatia are seen as clear favorites for the upcoming clash, but it's crucial not to underestimate the Czech Republic. The Czechs have been displaying quality attacking football, starting their qualifying campaign confidently and consistently finding the net, scoring in 14 of their last 15 matches. In their current form, the visitors are more than capable of posing serious challenges to Croatia and at least breaching their defense, which is why we're backing a Czech goal. It wouldn't be surprising if the encounter ends in a draw, say, with a scoreline of 1-1.[(Vissel Kobe) Strength]: 1. Taisei Miyashiro has scored 7 goals for Vissel Kobe in the J1 League this season, making him the team's top scorer.2. Daiju Sasaki has contributed 6 assists for Vissel Kobe this season and is the team's assist leader.3. Vissel Kobe have achieved a record of 7 wins and 2 draws in their last 9 official matches, demonstrating an outstanding form.4. Vissel Kobe have achiev...
[(Deportivo Toluca) Strength]: 1. Deportivo Toluca currently ranked third in Group A of the Leagues Cup. Facing New York City FC who are 13th-place in Group B, Deportivo Toluca, who performed better, are aiming for the three points, so they are motivated.2. Deportivo Toluca have many strong players, with Helinho and Alexis Vega leading the forward line, Marcel Ruiz and Ricardo Angulo anchoring the...
[(FC Tokyo) Strength]: 1. FC Tokyo forward Motoki Nagakura scored a goal in the last Emperor's Cup game, helping the team take the lead. So far, he scored in both the Emperor's Cup matches, showing stable performances in this tournament.2. FC Tokyo won 3-2 over Urawa Red Diamonds in the last league game, securing a winning streak of two competitive games, which revealed fit form.3. FC Tokyo scored...
[(Columbus Crew) Strength]: 1. Columbus Crew currently ranked fifth in Group B of the Leagues Cup. Facing Club Leon who are in 13th place in Group A, Columbus Crew are aiming for the three points and are full of fighting spirit.2. Columbus Crew striker Diego Rossi has scored two goals in the last two Leagues Cup matches, with high goal-scoring efficiency.3. Columbus Crew have remained unbeaten in ...
[(Tigres UANL) Strength]: 1. Tigres UANL have won both of their 2 group matches and are at the top of the group. However, they are only one point behind the teams behind them. The team still need points to consolidate their current position and have a strong motivation to grab points.2. Tigres UANL striker Angel Correa scored a brace in the last game, helping his team secure all three points. So f...
[(Mazatlan F.C.) Strength]: 1. Mazatlan F.C. are 2nd with 5 points in the table and still need points to secure a qualification spot, indicating strong motivation in this game.2. Nicolas Benedetti made 2 assists in a row in the last game, helping his teammates score.3. Mazatlan F.C. won 2-0 over Houston Dynamo in the last game. They received 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in the last 5 games, showing...
[(Hamrun Spartans F.C.) Strength]: 1. Hamrun Spartans F.C. were eliminated by FC Dynamo Kyiv in the previous stage of the Champions League qualifiers and can only compete for a Europa League spot at present. Facing Israeli giants Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C., Hamrun Spartans F.C. hope to strive for a win to lay a solid foundation for the second leg and are highly motivated.[(Hamrun Spartans F.C.) Weaknes...
[(Houston Dynamo) Strength]: 1. Starting forward Ezequiel Ponce scored 9 goals across all competitions this season, the top scorer of the team.[(Houston Dynamo) Neutral]: 1. The two teams met only once in the last 10 years, where Houston Dynamo drew 0-0 with Pachuca in the 2023 Leagues Cup.[(Houston Dynamo) Weakness]: 1. Houston Dynamo lost two games in the Leagues Cup, ranking at the bottom of th...
[(Malmo FF) Strength]: 1. As the traditional giants in the Allsvenskan, Malmo FF are now 4th in the league with stable performances this season. In this Champions League qualifier against F.C. Copenhagen, they will take home advantage to go all out.2. Malmo FF performed well in the league and the Champions League qualification lately. They have remained unbeaten since July, receiving 7 wins and 2 ...
[(PFC Ludogorets Razgrad) Strength]: 1. PFC Ludogorets Razgrad striker Ivaylo Chochev has scored in the last two matches. The player is in good form and is expected to start in this game.2. PFC Ludogorets Razgrad defeated FC Dobrudzha 2-1 in the last First Professional Football League (Bulgaria) match and have remained unbeaten in regular time in the last five games, with a commendable performance...
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