Mansion Sports – An intense showdown is set to take place at Fortuna Arena in Prague as Czech Republic national football team prepares to host Croatia national football team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group L. The match is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 20:45 local time.

This clash carries significant weight for both sides, who are locked in a tight race at the top of the Group L standings. 

The result could prove decisive in determining which team seizes control heading into the final stretch of the qualification phase.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic enters this fixture with strong momentum, having recorded positive results since the beginning of the qualification campaign. Following a successful run in the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League, which saw them earn promotion to League A, Narodak is now targeting an even greater milestone — qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

From their first five matches, the Czech Republic has suffered only one defeat and currently sits in second place in Group L with the same number of points as Croatia, although their opponent has played one game fewer. 

During the previous international window, they secured a convincing 2–0 victory against Montenegro national football team and earned a draw against Saudi Arabia national football team in a friendly.

Their home record in Prague further strengthens their case. The team remains unbeaten in their last six international home matches, with their most recent home loss dating back to September 2022 against Portugal national football team. 

This impressive record serves as a crucial confidence boost for Ivan Hašek and his squad as they face the group leaders.

Croatia

Croatia, meanwhile, has been in outstanding form since the start of the qualifiers. After a quarter-final defeat to France national football team in the Nations League last March, they bounced back immediately with four consecutive wins.

In September, Croatia national football team edged past Faroe Islands national football team before cruising to a dominant victory over Montenegro in Zagreb. 

These results have left them comfortably at the top of Group L with a perfect 12 points from four matches, six points ahead of their closest challengers outside of the Czech Republic.

Their previous meeting with the Czech Republic last June ended emphatically in their favor. Playing at Opus Arena in Osijek, Croatia secured a resounding 5–1 victory, with Andrej Kramarić scoring twice. This result gives Zlatko Dalić and his men a psychological advantage ahead of their visit to Prague.

Group L Standings Before Kickoff

Predicted Lineups for Czech Republic vs Croatia

Czech Republic (4-2-3-1)

Ivan Hašek is expected to maintain trust in Tomáš Chory as the starting striker after his impressive performance against Saudi Arabia. However, Patrik Schick remains a strong alternative if needed.

• Goalkeeper: Stanek
• Defenders: Doudera, Holes, Krejci, Zeleny
• Defensive Midfielders: Soucek, Cerv
• Attacking Midfielders: Kusej, Sulc, Provod
• Forward: Chory
• Head Coach: Ivan Hašek

Croatia (4-2-3-1)

Croatia faces a setback with Josip Stanišić sidelined due to a ligament injury sustained in mid-September. 

Borna Sosa is expected to step in at left-back, while Andrej Kramarić and Ivan Perišić will lead the attacking charge.

• Goalkeeper: Livakovic
• Defenders: Jakic, Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Sosa
• Defensive Midfielders: Modric, Sucic
  
• Attacking Midfielders: Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic
• Forward: Ivanovic
• Head Coach: Zlatko Dalić

A High-Stakes Battle for Group Supremacy

The upcoming encounter between the Czech Republic and Croatia promises to be one of the most crucial fixtures in Group L. 

Croatia enters the match with a perfect record and a convincing win from their previous meeting, while the Czech Republic boasts an impressive home record and aims to turn the tide in front of their supporters.

Regardless of the outcome, this clash could reshape the Group L standings and set the tone for the decisive final rounds of qualifying. 

The predicted lineups for Czech Republic vs Croatia are expected to play a pivotal role in determining how this crucial match unfolds.