Mansion Sports – A major 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 is about far more than just three points. Both teams are currently neck-and-neck at the top of the Group L standings, and the outcome of this encounter could determine who takes control of the group and moves closer to securing an automatic spot at the 2026 World Cup.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic approaches this match with solid momentum. After an impressive campaign in the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League, where they topped a group featuring Ukraine, Georgia, and Albania, the team has carried that form into the World Cup qualifiers.

Narodak has lost just once in their first five matches, putting them in second place with the same points total as Croatia. 

In the previous international window, they secured a convincing 2–0 victory over Montenegro national football team and drew with Saudi Arabia national football team in a friendly match — a game where Tomáš Chory also found the net.

Their home record in Prague is particularly strong. Since their exit from the UEFA Euro 2024, the Czechs remain unbeaten in six matches played on home soil. 

Their last home defeat dates back to September 2022 against Portugal national football team, making this a warning sign for Croatia that the hosts will not go down easily.

Chory’s recent performance has strengthened his case to start, but Patrik Schick is also ready to compete for a place in the starting lineup, ensuring healthy competition up front.

Croatia

Croatia arrives in Prague with a perfect record. After their elimination in the quarter-finals of the Nations League at the hands of France national football team in March, they responded with four consecutive victories in World Cup qualifying.

In September, they narrowly defeated Faroe Islands national football team before delivering a commanding win against Montenegro in Zagreb. 

Those results have kept them at the top of the Group L standings with a perfect 12 points, six ahead of the third-place team.

Their first meeting with the Czech Republic earlier this year also ended emphatically. In June, Andrej Kramarić scored twice to lead Croatia to a 5–1 victory in Osijek, giving the visitors a psychological edge ahead of this rematch.

However, Croatia will not be at full strength. Left-back Josip Stanišić is sidelined with a ligament injury, likely paving the way for Borna Sosa to step in.

Even so, their midfield and attack remain formidable, with stars like Luka Modrić, Kramarić, and Ivan Perišić ready to make the difference.

Group L Standings Before Kickoff

Where to Watch Czech Republic vs Croatia

Football fans who don’t want to miss this high-stakes Group L clash can tune in via several live-streaming platforms, depending on their location. The match will be available on:

• FIFA+
• beIN Sports
• FuboTV
• Stan
• DAZN
• Prime Video
• BBC
• Vision+

A Defining Match for Group L

This match will serve as a true test of strength for both teams. Croatia aims to extend its perfect record and retain control of the group, while the Czech Republic will look to use their home advantage to climb to the top.

The stakes are high, and fans can expect an intense battle filled with quality football and possibly late drama. 

Make sure to secure your preferred streaming option and catch Czech Republic vs Croatia live as two European powerhouses fight for supremacy in Group L.