Czech Republic and Croatia will compete in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday evening in Group 3 of League A, alongside England and Spain.
According to the source, Czech Republic recently returned to League A following promotion from League B in 2024-25. The team has compiled a record of 10 wins, three draws, and nine defeats across 22 Nations League matches. Czech Republic competed at the 2026 World Cup but exited in the group stage, earning just one point from a 1-1 draw with South Africa. Their most recent victory came in June when they defeated Guatemala 3-1 in a friendly.
Croatia, managed by Slaven Bilic in his second spell in charge, also appeared at the 2026 World Cup, reaching the last-32 stage before being eliminated by Portugal. The team has consistently competed in League A and finished as runners-up in the 2022-23 Nations League, losing to Spain in the final.
Historically, the two nations have met six times, with Czech Republic yet to secure a victory. Their head-to-head record stands at three draws and three defeats. The most recent encounter was a 2026 World Cup qualifier in October 2025 that ended in a goalless draw.
For Saturday’s match, Czech Republic will be without striker Patrik Schick, who retired after the World Cup. The team is expected to feature 24-year-old Adam Hlozek in attack, who has scored five goals for the national side. Pavel Sulc from Lyon may fill the void left by Schick’s retirement.
Croatia will feature experienced midfielder Luka Modric, now 41 years old, who is in line to earn his 203rd cap. Mateo Kovacic and Luka Sucic are also expected in midfield, while 35-year-old striker Ante Budimir will lead the attack after scoring five times in seven appearances for Osasuna this season.
Czech Republic’s schedule includes home matches against Croatia and England before October, followed by away fixtures against Spain and England. Croatia will face Spain before October, with England and Spain matches scheduled at home in October.
Key facts
- Czech Republic promoted to League A after 2026 World Cup group stage exit with one point
- Croatia reached last-32 at 2026 World Cup before losing to Portugal
- Head-to-head record favors Croatia with three Czech Republic draws and three defeats; no victories for Czech Republic
- Luka Modric, age 41, in line for 203rd cap for Croatia
- Ante Budimir has seven career goals for Croatia and scored five times in seven Osasuna appearances