Croatia vs Spain Preview: A Roaring Poljud Awaits the World Champions

After a silent night in Rijeka, Croatia get their crowd back. Croatia vs Spain is today's Group 3 clash in UEFA Nations League A, played at the Poljud Stadium in Split, and the world champions are the visitors. Croatia's stadium ban applied only to the England game on 3 October, so this one should be loud. The top two teams in the group reach the quarter-finals, and with England and Czechia also in the mix, every point is valuable. Below you'll find the kick-off details, form, history and our prediction, plus the Croatia vs Spain match page on score808 if you want to follow the game online.

Croatia vs Spain: Match Details

• Competition: UEFA Nations League A, Group 3, Game Week 4
• Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026
• Kick-off: 20:45 CEST, which is 18:45 UTC (19:45 UK time)
• Venue: Stadion Poljud, Split, as confirmed by the Croatian Football Federation. One listing names Maksimir in Zagreb, so confirm on UEFA.com before the game.
• Follow online: score808.stream

One Spanish listing shows an earlier time, so check the kick-off too.

The Group: Spain, Croatia, England and Czechia

Group 3 is one of the toughest in League A. Croatia opened away to Czechia on 26 September and travelled to Spain on 29 September, then hosted England behind closed doors in Rijeka on 3 October, so check the live table for how that run went. After tonight, they travel to England on 12 November and finish at home to Czechia on 15 November.

Only the top two teams advance to the quarter-finals in March 2027, so this match could shape the final standings.

Croatia Preview: A Home Crowd and a Point to Prove

Croatia are coached by Slaven Bilić and have a squad built around Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić and Joško Gvardiol. One form guide lists their last five completed matches as three wins and two defeats, with eight goals scored and eight conceded, which shows a side that scores but also leaks goals.

The return to a full stadium will matter. Croatia have always used the Poljud atmosphere well, and a first match with supporters after the closed-doors England game should lift the team. They also know Spain well after meeting them in Spain on 29 September.

Spain Preview: World Champions on a Perfect Run

Spain arrive as world champions and in remarkable form. One form guide lists five wins from their last five completed matches, with nine goals scored and only three conceded. They have played England at Wembley, hosted Croatia and Czechia in Oviedo, and tonight's trip to Split is the final match of the October window.

Their squad is settled and experienced at the highest level, and they know that a win in Croatia would put them in a commanding position.

Head-to-Head: Spain Have the Edge

Spain have won three of the last six meetings, Croatia two and one was drawn.

• 15 June 2024: Spain 3-0 Croatia (Euro 2024)
• 18 June 2023: Croatia 0-0 Spain (Nations League final, Spain won on penalties)
• 28 June 2021: Croatia 3-5 Spain (Euro 2020, after extra time)
• 15 November 2018: Croatia 3-2 Spain (Nations League)
• 11 September 2018: Spain 6-0 Croatia (Nations League)
• 21 June 2016: Croatia 2-1 Spain (Euro 2016)

These two have produced some of the most dramatic games of recent years, including that 2023 final. This month's first leg in Spain on 29 September adds a new chapter, so check the live score808 page for the result.

Key Battles to Watch

1. Modrić against Spain's midfield. Croatia's captain remains the key to their rhythm, and Spain will aim to deny him time on the ball.

2. Spain's attack against Croatia's defence. With nine goals in five matches, Spain's front line is in form.

3. Lessons from the first leg. Both coaches have just seen each other's plans, so small adjustments could decide the rematch.

4. The Poljud factor. A full stadium can lift Croatia, but Spain have shown they can handle big away atmospheres.

Team News

Confirmed line-ups were not available at the time of writing. Starting XIs are usually announced about an hour before kick-off. Follow updates on the live score808 match page.

Prediction: Croatia vs Spain

Spain's form and head-to-head record make them slight favourites, but Croatia at home, with a roaring crowd and a point to prove, should make this close. Our pick is a narrow Spain win, with a draw very possible. Please gamble responsibly, and only where it is legal.

Follow Croatia vs Spain Online with Score808

Want to keep up with the game? Head to score808.stream for Croatia vs Spain and other UEFA Nations League fixtures. Bookmark score808 for the rest of the Nations League, including Croatia's trip to England on 12 November.

Croatia vs Spain: FAQs

What time is Croatia vs Spain?
Kick-off is 20:45 CEST on 6 October 2026, which is 18:45 UTC and 19:45 UK time.

Where is Croatia vs Spain being played?
At Stadion Poljud in Split, according to the Croatian Football Federation.

Will fans be allowed in?
Yes. The closed-doors sanction applied to the England game on 3 October, not this one.

Which competition is this match part of?
UEFA Nations League A, Group 3, alongside England and Czechia.

Who is Croatia's head coach?
Slaven Bilić.

When did these teams last meet?
In the first leg of this group fixture in Spain on 29 September 2026. Before that, Spain won 3-0 at Euro 2024.

Where can I follow Croatia vs Spain online?
On the score808 Croatia vs Spain match page.