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 21:45 EAT. 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 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 | 21:45 EAT |
| 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: Spain vs Croatia: H2H, Stats, Lineups & Match Guide
Croatia vs Spain team news and current form
Croatia enter the match after a difficult 7-0 defeat to England. That result followed the 4-1 loss to Spain in Seville, so Zlatko Dalić’s side need a much stronger defensive response at Poljud after conceding 11 goals across their last two Nations League matches.
Spain arrive with a 100% record but have had several squad changes during the international window. Alejandro Grimaldo, Nico Williams and Ferran Torres have all left the camp because of injury issues, with Fran García and Carlos Espí among the replacements brought into the senior squad.
Spain still retain a strong core through players such as Pedri, Martín Zubimendi, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte. Croatia will again rely heavily on Luka Modrić’s ability to control tempo and help the team play through Spain’s press.
Confirmed lineups and any late changes should be checked close to kick-off. For live scores, lineups and changing match statistics, use SP Score.
READ ALSO: Croatia vs England: Match Preview, Team News, Key Stats & H2H
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 reverse Nations League meeting on 29 September 2026 ended 4-1 to Spain. The rivalry has also produced major tournament meetings, including Spain’s penalty-shootout victory in the 2023 Nations League final and a 5-3 extra-time win at UEFA EURO 2020.
Key players and match factors
Croatia need much more control after the defeat to England. Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić remain central to how they manage possession, while Joško Gvardiol and the defensive unit must reduce the space Spain exploited in Seville.
Spain’s biggest threat comes from the variety of their attacking play. Pedri and Zubimendi can control central areas, while Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Oyarzabal give Spain different ways to create chances between and behind defensive lines.
The first goal, Croatia’s defensive response and Spain’s ability to sustain pressure are likely to shape the match. Spain can confirm a quarter-final place, while Croatia need a result to keep England within reach.
For more current Nations League coverage, read England vs Czechia: Team News, H2H, Lineups & Match Guide or France vs Belgium: Team News, H2H, Lineups & Match Guide. You can also visit the SportPesa Kenya football guide or browse the SportPesa Kenya 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 betslip or account process, review how to play on SportPesa before submitting your selection.
Bet only what you can afford to lose and review SportPesa’s responsible gaming information. 18+.
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 in Kenya?
Kick-off is scheduled for 21:45 EAT.
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 follow Croatia vs Spain live?
SP Score provides live scores, lineups and changing match statistics, while SportPesa Kenya carries current football markets.
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, while Croatia need a response after heavy defeats to Spain and England. Croatia’s defensive reaction, Spain’s midfield control 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.
