Czech Republic vs Croatia Preview, Stats, Betting Odds, Prediction, and Best Bet

Deadlocked at the summit, Czech Republic will host Group L opponents Croatia for a crucial top-of-the-table clash on Thursday evening. 

Czech Republic and Croatia have both scored 12 points, but Luka Modric’s side have played one game fewer.

Czech Republic vs Croatia Preview and Team News

Preview

Czechia have been in rapid form over the last year, registering seven wins, four draws, and just one defeat in their last 12 matches. They are on a six-game unbeaten run at home (W 5, D 1) since crashing out of Euro 2024.

Czech Republic started their September international break by dispatching Montenegro 2-0 in their FIFA World Cup qualifier. In the following match, they drew 1-1 with AFC giants Saudi Arabia.

Czech Republic have scored some great Euro goals over the years! pic.twitter.com/x6jgIZ5sGF

— 90s Football (@90sfootball) September 4, 2023

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Czech Republic have won four of five matches. Their only defeat — a 5-1 routing — came against the team they will face on Thursday, Croatia.

Led by the evergreen Luka Modric, Croatia have been absolutely ruthless in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifers. Over the last two international breaks, they have played four qualifiers, winning all four. In those four matches, Croatia scored 17 goals and conceded only one.

🇭🇷 THE MAKING OF: LUKA MODRIĆ

🏭 Born to factory workers in northern Croatia, Luka Modric shepherded goats as a child.

📆 In 1991 during the Yugoslav War, Modrić's grandfather, with whom he lived, was executed by Serb rebels and the family forced to flee.

🏨 Modrić and his… pic.twitter.com/iVBksdA4nJ

— FourFourTwo (@FourFourTwo) September 9, 2025

In their last international outing, Croatia beat Montenegro 4-0 at home. Kristijan Jakic (35′), Andrej Kramaric (51′), and Ivan Perisic (90+2′) scored for the hosts while Edvin Kuc netted an own goal in the 85th minute.

Team News

Czechia do not have any injury concerns heading into Thursday’s match with Croatia.

The visitors, meanwhile, will be without first-choice left-back Josip Stanisic, who has been nursing a ligament injury since September.

Czech Republic vs Croatia Match Details

⚽Teams: Czechia vs Croatia

🗓️Date: Thursday, October 09, 2025

🏆 Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying

🟥Ref: Francois Letexier

⌚KO: 7:45 PM BST

📺Where to Watch: Amazon Prime PPV

🏟️Stadium: Fortuna Arena

The battle at the Fortuna Arena is one of eight European World Cup qualifiers on Thursday night. Scotland’s clash with Greece is another standout fixture, as it could greatly influence how Group C shapes up.

According to Scotland vs Greece stats, both sides have recorded two wins apiece over the years. We expect another tight encounter on Thursday.

Czech Republic vs Croatia Stats and Head-to-Head

• Czechia have never beaten Croatia, drawing twice and losing thrice to them
• Neither Croatia nor Czechia managed to keep a clean sheet in their five match-ups
• Last meeting: Croatia 5-1 Czech Republic (World Cup Qualifying, 09 June 2025)
• Czechia are unbeaten in their last 14 matches at home (W 12, D 2)
• Croatia have a 100% record in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, winning all 4 of their matches
• Czechia are level on points with Group L leaders Croatia but have played one game more
• Czech Republic recent form: D-W-L-W-W
• Croatia recent form: W-W-W-W-L
• Patrik Schick is Czechia’s leading active goalscorer with 24 goals
• Ivan Perisic is Croatia’s leading active goalscorer with 37 goals

Head-to-Head and Past Meetings

Czech Republic vs Croatia Betting Odds

Owing to Croatia’s blistering start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, they are coming into Thursday’s game as favourites. However, since Czech Republic have been excellent at home, the bookmakers are not bullish about the Croats getting the win.

At the time of writing, Croatia are at 7/5 to win the World Cup qualifier, while Czecia are priced at 2/1. There has never been a clean sheet in any of their past meetings, and oddsmakers are not expecting it to change.

Croatia are also backed to score the first goal on Thursday.

Match Result

• Czechia – 2/1
• Draw – 6/2
• Croatia – 7/5

Both Teams to Score

• Yes – 9/10
• No – 1/1

Team to Score First

• Czechia – 5/4
• No Goals – 9/1
• Croatia – 9/10

Czech Republic vs Croatia Prediction and Best Bet

Czech Republic have produced some strong performances at home, and we fully expect them to bring their A-game on Thursday. However, we are not sure it will be enough to topple a Croatia teeming with individual talent and experience.

Our Prediction: Czech Republic 1-2 Croatia

Best Bet: Croatia to Win @ 7/5