Match Overview

The 7th round match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament between the national teams of Czech Republic and Croatia will take place on October 9 at the “Eden Arena” in Prague. This preview covers the Czech Republic vs Croatia match, including predictions, odds, and key statistics.

Czech Republic Team Overview

The current qualifying campaign has been somewhat inconsistent for the Czech national team. On one hand, the Czechs have secured 4 victories in 5 World Cup qualification matches and are contending for the top spot in their group. However, coach Ivan Hašek’s side has only managed to defeat opponents who are significantly weaker in terms of player quality – they overcame the Faroe Islands and Gibraltar once each, and also secured two wins against Montenegro. Their crucial away fixture against Croatia resulted in a heavy 1:5 defeat. Following this, to realistically challenge for a direct World Cup berth, the Czech Republic needs more than just revenge against their rivals; they require a victory with the largest possible goal difference on home turf. It’s worth noting that the team remains unbeaten in 7 consecutive home World Cup qualifiers (5 wins, 2 draws), and their scoring streak at home in this tournament extends to 9 matches.

Key Statistics: Czech Republic

• At least 2 goals were scored in 9 of the national team’s last 10 World Cup qualification matches.
• The Czechs’ uncompromising streak in this tournament stands at 8 games (6 wins, 2 losses).
• The team avoided defeat in 7 of their last 9 World Cup qualifiers (6 wins, 1 draw).

Czech Republic Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Matěj Kovář – Vladimír Coufal, Robin Hranáč, Ladislav Krejčí, Jaroslav Zelený – Tomáš Souček, Lukáš Červ – Václav Černý, Pavel Šulc, Lukáš Provod – Tomáš Chorý.

Team News: Czech Republic

Due to injuries, forward Patrik Schick, defender Tomáš Holeš, and goalkeepers Jindřich Staněk and Vítězslav Jaroš did not join the national squad.

Croatia Team Overview

The national team is confidently progressing towards another World Cup appearance. In the first half of the qualifying stage, the Croats have successfully handled every opponent in their group, securing four wins out of four. Zlatko Dalić’s team has collectively scored 17 goals while conceding only 1. In World Cup qualifiers, the team boasts a 6-match winning streak, and their unbeaten run extends to 13 matches (11 wins, 2 draws). Croatia sits at the top of the table, significantly outperforming the Czech Republic in goal difference, with an additional game in hand.

Key Statistics: Croatia

• The team kept a clean sheet in 10 of their last 13 World Cup qualification matches.
• At least 3 goals were scored in 7 of Croatia’s previous 9 matches in this tournament.
• The national team won their last 5 away fixtures in World Cup qualifiers.

Croatia Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Dominik Livaković – Kristijan Jakić, Josip Šutalo, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Joško Gvardiol – Luka Modrić, Petar Sučić – Mario Pašalić, Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić – Franjo Ivanović.

Team News: Croatia

Due to injuries, defenders Josip Stanišić and Josip Juranović were not included in the squad.

Referee Profile

François Letexier (France)

Referee Statistics

Matches officiated – 16 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 74;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;

Red cards shown – 4;

Average fouls per match – 22;

Penalties awarded – 44%.

Match Prediction: Czech Republic vs Croatia

Czech Republic’s Urgency

This match will be crucial for both teams, potentially deciding the fate of the first-place spot in the group and a direct ticket to the World Cup. The Czech Republic absolutely needs to win, and by as large a margin as possible, which means the team must play boldly and aggressively. Coach Ivan Hašek’s side is expected to score multiple goals; it’s worth noting that the Czechs have scored in 8 of their last 9 World Cup qualification matches, including all 5 games in the current qualifying cycle. The team’s home scoring streak in this tournament spans 9 matches.

Croatia’s Form and Strategy

A draw would currently suit Croatia, but it’s unlikely the team will play defensively. Zlatko Dalić’s squad has won 6 consecutive World Cup qualifiers, with 4 of those 6 victories being commanding. Their scoring run in World Cup qualification has reached 10 matches, and in 7 of those 10 encounters, the Croats scored at least 2 goals. Even when playing away, the team has found the net in 5 consecutive World Cup qualifiers.

Final Prediction

In my opinion, a goal exchange is highly probable in this head-to-head clash. Prediction: “Both Teams to Score – Yes” with odds of 1.83.