Credit: X/@ceskarepre_eng

Croatia vs Czech Republic World Cup Qualifier – Injury News, Match Preview and Predicted Line-Ups

With both teams possessing high quality players, this clash will shape up to be a pivotal moment in the qualifying campaign.

Credit: X/@ceskarepre_eng

Group L heavyweights Croatia and Czech Republic are set for a high-stake encounter on Monday evening at the Opus Arena in the UEFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Croatia made an emphatic start by thrashing Gibraltar 7-0 in their first game. The 2018 World Cup runners-up have played the fewest games in the group but already sit third in the group with a strong goal difference.

However, Croatia will now face their toughest challenge yet in the form of Czechia, who top the group with a perfect record. The visitors have taken nine points from their opening three games and are currently riding a four-match winning streak. Ivan Hasek’s side has recorded impressive victories over the Faroe Islands (2-1), Gibraltar (4-0), and Montenegro (2-0) so far.

With both teams possessing high quality players, this clash will shape up to be a pivotal moment in the qualifying campaign. Given the form of both sides, a tightly contested affair may be on the cards here.

📸 Pre-match training session in Opus Arena in Osijek ahead of Monday's #WCQ match against Croatia. pic.twitter.com/vpU6xXZEvo
— Czech Football National Team (@ceskarepre_eng) June 8, 2025

Croatia Injury News

Following their emphatic 7-0 win over Gibraltar, Croatia are expected to make several tweaks to the starting XI ahead of Monday’s clash. Luka Modric began that match on the bench and he will return to the starting lineup here. The veteran midfielder is expected to slot in alongside Lovro Majer in the heart of midfield. Defensive reinforcements are also expected, with Josko Gvardiol and Josip Sutalo among those pushing for starts

Croatia Predicted Line-Up

Livakovic; Stanisic, Caleta-Car, Sutalo, Gvardiol; Modric, Majer; Baturina, Pasalic, Perisic; Budimir

Czech Republic Injury News

Czech Republic could be without forward Adam Hlozek for Monday’s top-of-the-table clash with Croatia after he was forced off just 28 minutes into their 2-0 win over Montenegro due to injury. In his absence, Lukas Provod is expected to step into the starting XI on the left flank.

Up front, Patrik Schick remains a key figure for the visitors. The Bayer Leverkusen striker has already netted four times in the opening three qualifiers. Manager Jaroslav Silhavy is unlikely to make wholesale changes for this match.

Luka Modrić:

"Patrik Schick is the biggest threat and the biggest star of the Czech Republic. He’s in great form, and he’s proven that in the last two seasons at Leverkusen. We’ll have to give him special attention." pic.twitter.com/3lxxcBTC94
— TheCroatianLad (@TheCroatianLad) June 8, 2025

Czech Republic Predicted Line-Up

Kovar; Coufal, Holes, Krejci, Zeleny; Soucek, Cerv; Cerny, Sulc, Provod; Schick

Croatia

Czech Republic

World Cup Qualifiers

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.