Croatia vs Spain Match Preview, Team News and Points Table

Croatia return to action against Spain at Stadion Poljud in Split on Tuesday, October 6, with the hosts trying to recover from the heaviest defeat in their history.

Slaven Bilić's side were beaten 7-0 by England in Rijeka on October 3. Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored twice each, while Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers also found the net. The result left Croatia third in Group A3 with three points. 

Spain arrive in much better shape. They have won all three of their group matches, beating England 3-2, Croatia 4-1 and Czechia 3-1. The reigning world champions sit top with nine points and can strengthen their position again in Split. 

The two sides already met in Seville on September 29, when Spain produced a 4-1 victory. Lamine Yamal scored twice, while Marc Pubill and Nico Williams were also on target. Dion Beljo scored Croatia's only goal. 

The latest Croatia vs Spain Nations League 2026 meeting therefore comes with very different pressure on the two teams. Spain are chasing another three points, while Croatia need to stop their campaign from slipping further.

Spain Can Move Closer to the Quarter-Finals

Spain's position gives them a clear incentive. The top two teams in each League A group qualify for the quarter-finals, with the group winners drawn against runners-up from another group.

A fourth straight victory would put Spain on 12 points and leave them in a strong position with two league-phase matches still to play.

Lamine Yamal has been one of the standout players of the campaign so far. He has scored in each of Spain's first three Nations League games and has four goals in the competition. 

Croatia Team News

Croatia have several issues to manage. Martin Erlić remains sidelined with an injury, while Josip Juranović is unavailable because of illness, according to the latest team-news reports. 

Luka Modrić remains the experienced figure in midfield. He scored in this Nations League campaign and will be important as Croatia try to regain some control after conceding seven goals against England. 

Predicted Croatia XI

Dominik Livaković; Josip Stanišić, Luka Vušković, Joško Gvardiol, Ivan Perišić; Luka Modrić; Franjo Ivanović, Petar Sučić, Mateo Kovačić, Martin Baturina; Petar Musa.

Spain Team News

Spain have also dealt with some fitness concerns. Ferran Torres was withdrawn from the squad because of an ankle issue, while Alejandro Grimaldo, Joan García and Nico Williams have been listed as doubtful in the latest reporting. 

Yamal remains the obvious attacking threat after his two-goal performance in the previous meeting.

Predicted Spain XI

David Raya; Iván Fresneda, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, Fran García; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena; Roberto Fernández. 

Croatia vs Spain Head-to-Head

Spain lead the overall head-to-head record, with seven wins to Croatia's three and two draws in the 12 meetings listed by UEFA. Spain won the latest encounter 4-1 on September 29. 

The fixture also has Nations League history. Spain defeated Croatia on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the 2023 final in Rotterdam. 

Croatia vs Spain Match Details

Detail	Information
Match	Croatia vs Spain
Competition	UEFA Nations League 2026-27
League	League A
Group	Group A3
Matchday	4 of 6
Date	Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Kick-off	11:45 PM Pakistan time
Venue	Stadion Poljud, Split
Croatia	3 points
Spain	9 points

UEFA lists the fixture for October 6 as part of Matchday 4, with the League A group phase running through November. 

Croatia vs Spain Nations League Standings

Rank	Team	Played	Wins	Draws	Losses	GF	GA	GD	Points
1	Spain	3	3	0	0	10	4	+6	9
2	England	3	2	0	1	11	3	+8	6
3	Croatia	3	1	0	2	3	12	-9	3
4	Czechia	3	0	0	3	2	7	-5	0

Croatia's task is straightforward but difficult. They need points to stay in touch with the top two, while Spain can take another step toward the knockout stage with another victory.

Watch Croatia vs Spain Live on tapmad

Croatia vs Spain kicks off today at 11:45 PM Pakistan time. Watch the Nations League clash live on tapmad, and catch the match highlights afterward so you never miss the key moments from your favorite stars.