Croatia vs Spain meet at Poljud Stadium in Split on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 in UEFA Nations League League A Group A3. Spain lead the group with nine points from three wins, while Croatia have three points after one win and two defeats.
Kick-off is at 20:45 local time. Spain won the reverse fixture 4-1 in Seville and arrive after beating Czechia 3-1, while Croatia need a response after a 7-0 home defeat to England. Spain can secure quarter-final qualification with another win, while Croatia need points to stay in the race behind the top two. Use the current form, team news and H2H below to assess the fixture before making your own prediction on SportPesa.
Overview
| Match information | Details |
| Fixture | Croatia vs Spain |
| Date | Tuesday, 6 October 2026 |
| Kick-off | 20:45 local time |
| Venue | Poljud Stadium, Split |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League 2026/27 |
| League / Group | League A – Group A3 |
Group A3 standings before kick-off:
| Team | P | W | D | GF-GA | Pts |
| Spain | 3 | 3 | 0 | 10-4 | 9 |
| England | 3 | 2 | 0 | 11-3 | 6 |
| Croatia | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3-12 | 3 |
| Czechia | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2-7 | 0 |
READ ALSO: Czechia vs England: Nations League Preview, H2H, Stats & Team News
Croatia vs Spain team news and current form
Croatia enter the match after a difficult 7-0 defeat to England. The result leaves Zlatko Dalić’s side needing a stronger defensive response at Poljud, especially against a Spain team that has scored ten goals in three group matches.
Spain arrive in Split with a 100% record. Alejandro Grimaldo has left the squad after suffering discomfort in his left thigh, with Fran GarcÃa called in as his replacement. Luis de la Fuente has 23 players available for the final match of the international window.
Spain’s latest 23-player group includes David Raya, Unai Simón, Pau CubarsÃ, Aymeric Laporte, MartÃn Zubimendi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal. Confirmed lineups should still be checked close to kick-off.
Croatia vs Spain H2H
Spain hold the stronger overall record in this fixture. UEFA’s current head-to-head record lists seven Spain wins, three Croatia wins and two draws across 12 senior meetings.
The most recent meeting came on 29 September 2026, when Spain won 4-1 in Seville. Lamine Yamal scored twice, while Marc Pubill and Nico Williams also found the net.
The rivalry has also produced major tournament meetings, including Spain’s win on penalties in the 2023 Nations League final and a 5-3 extra-time victory at UEFA EURO 2020.
Key players and match factors
Spain’s biggest strength is the variety of their attacking play. Pedri and MartÃn Zubimendi can control possession, while Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal give Spain different ways to create and finish chances.
Croatia need more control after the heavy defeat to England. Luka Modrić’s ability to manage tempo remains important, while Croatia’s midfield and defensive line must reduce the space Spain were able to exploit in Seville.
The first goal, Croatia’s defensive response and Spain’s ability to sustain pressure are likely to shape the match. Spain can confirm their place in the quarter-finals, while Croatia need a result to keep England within reach.
For more Nations League coverage, read France vs Belgium: UEFA Nations League Team News, H2H & Match Guide or Ukraine vs Hungary: UEFA Nations League Team News, H2H & Match Guide. You can also browse the SportPesa Global football hub.
Make your Croatia vs Spain prediction on SportPesa
After reviewing the current form, H2H and team news, you can make your own prediction by opening the SportPesa football markets. Find Croatia vs Spain, compare the available markets and current odds, then choose the selection that matches your own view of the fixture.
Depending on market availability, options can include match result, double chance, over/under goals and both teams to score. If you are unfamiliar with the process, read how to place a bet on SportPesa before submitting your selection.
To understand how prices and implied probability work before deciding, review SportPesa Global’s guide to sports betting odds. Make the final selection from your own assessment of the match and stake responsibly.
Croatia vs Spain FAQs
When is Croatia vs Spain?
Croatia vs Spain takes place on Tuesday, 6 October 2026.
Where is Croatia vs Spain being played?
The match is being played at Poljud Stadium in Split, Croatia.
What time is Croatia vs Spain?
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 local time.
Who leads UEFA Nations League Group A3?
Spain lead Group A3 with nine points after winning all three of their opening matches.
What happened in the reverse fixture?
Spain beat Croatia 4-1 in Seville on 29 September 2026.
What is the Croatia vs Spain H2H record?
UEFA lists 12 senior meetings, with Spain winning seven, Croatia three and two matches ending in draws.
Where can I make my Croatia vs Spain prediction?
Open the SportPesa football section, find the fixture, review the available markets and choose the selection that matches your own assessment.
Conclusion
Croatia vs Spain gives Spain the chance to secure quarter-final qualification and extend their perfect start to four wins, while Croatia need a response after the heavy defeat to England. Spain’s midfield control, Croatia’s defensive reaction and the first goal are among the main factors to watch in Split. Use the current form, team news and H2H to build your own view of the match. When you are ready, check the latest SportPesa football markets and make only the prediction you are comfortable with.
READ ALSO: Germany vs Serbia: Nations League Team News, H2H & Match Guide
