Mansion Sports – The meeting between the Croatian national team and the Faroe Islands in the UEFA zone of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Group L, has emerged as one of the most compelling fixtures to follow.

The atmosphere at HNK Rijeka Stadium is known for its intensity, and with the group standings tightening, this match carries the potential for drama until the final whistle. For those curious about the strengths of both sides, the full overview is presented here.

The match will take place at HNK Rijeka Stadium in Rijeka on Friday, 14 November 2025 at 20:45 local time.

Croatia requires only one point to secure a place in the final tournament, while the Faroe Islands must win to keep their qualifying hopes alive.

Below is a detailed look at the conditions of both teams ahead of the match and the projected lineups for Croatia vs the Faroe Islands in November 2025.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Croatia

Croatia is edging closer to securing an automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup after a convincing 3–0 victory over Gibraltar on 12 October.

With 16 points collected from their first six matches, they need just one draw against the Faroe Islands or Montenegro to cement their position at the top of the group.

Under the leadership of Zlatko Dalić, Croatia has shown solid consistency with six unbeaten matches, including five wins.

This follows a less stable period in which they recorded two draws and two defeats in five games.

Their defensive line has been among the strongest in the European qualifiers. Croatia has conceded only once in the group stage, making them one of just three teams across the qualifiers with such a low concession rate. Five clean sheets from six matches further highlight the discipline of their back line.

Offensively, Croatia has been equally impressive, scoring 20 goals in six fixtures—surpassing the total goals they recorded across their previous 13 matches. Their home record strengthens their confidence as well. 

Croatia remains unbeaten in their last 10 home matches, winning nine—including victories over France and Poland—and drawing once against Portugal.

Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands enter this match with determination, although the pressure rests firmly on their shoulders. They trail the Czech Republic by one point for the second playoff spot. A defeat would end their hopes of progressing, as the final matchday will occur simultaneously.

Nevertheless, their form has shown improvement. From their last five fixtures, the Faroe Islands have secured four victories, including three consecutive wins in the group stage.

Their attacking efficiency has also increased significantly, with seven of their 10 qualifying goals scored within their last three matches.

The previous meeting between these teams took place in September and ended in a narrow 0–1 defeat for the Faroe Islands.

Despite losing, they were fortunate to concede only once in a match where Croatia dominated. In their most recent away match, the Faroe Islands won 1–0 against Gibraltar, ending a run of four straight away defeats.

Group L Standings

Below is the current Group L standings, underscoring the importance of the Croatia vs Faroe Islands encounter.

Predicted Lineups for Croatia vs the Faroe Islands in November 2025

Croatia (4-2-3-1)

Croatia is expected to field its strongest lineup to secure qualification before the final matchday. With Mateo Kovačić sidelined until February, Luka Modrić is predicted to start in midfield.

The defensive structure will likely be anchored by Joško Gvardiol and Duje Ćaleta-Car, two key figures in maintaining the team’s stability.

Faroe Islands (3-4-3)

The Faroe Islands are expected to rely on a three-man defensive line to cope with Croatia’s attacking pressure.

Joan Simun Edmundsson will lead the frontline, supported by two wingers whose pace will be crucial in creating opportunities.

In summary, this complete overview presents the conditions of both teams, the current standings, and the projected lineups for Croatia vs the Faroe Islands in November 2025.

With the group still open and both teams under significant pressure, this match stands as a key fixture for football enthusiasts.