Croatia will aim to preserve their unbeaten record in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they face Gibraltar at Stadion Andelko Herjavec on Sunday night. Zlatko Dalic’s men dropped their first points of the campaign earlier this week against the Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, Gibraltar’s struggles continued in their latest friendly defeat at home to New Caledonia. The European minnows are still searching for their first points in Group L. In the midst of it, they will face a daunting task against one of the continent’s most consistent sides.
| Bets | Status | Moneyline |
| Total Goals | Over 4.5 | +138 |
| Total Shots on Target | Over 11.5 | -163 |
| Total Corners | Under 9.5 | +275 |
| Total Cards | Under 3.5 | -208 |
Croatia’s impressive run under Zlatko Dalic has seen them win four of their first five qualifying games. They’ve scored 17 goals while maintaining strong defensive form. Despite a goalless draw in Czechia, they remain level at the top of Group L.
Bayern Munich’s Josip Stanisic is unavailable due to a leg injury. But Dalic could rotate his attack anyway, with Franjo Ivanovic and Marco Pasalic pushing for starting roles. Dominik Livakovic is set to continue in goal, seeking his fourth consecutive clean sheet.
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Gibraltar are entering the clash in poor form. They’re enduring a seven-game winless streak across all competitions. Their 2-0 friendly defeat to New Caledonia followed five consecutive losses in Group L. This has left them at the bottom of the table without a single point.
Coach Scott Wiseman’s side was heavily beaten 7-0 by Croatia in the reverse fixture. They will once again rely on defensive resilience. Manchester United academy prospect James Scanlon, aged just 19, offers a glimpse of hope in midfield. Meanwhile Julian Valarino is available to play despite a red card in their last outing.
It is expected to be a one-sided affair, so there seems to be strong justification on over 4.5 goals at +138 betting line. Croatia have been tearing defenses apart. In the first four Group L matches, they plundered 17 goals. Across their recent World Cup qualifying history, they’ve kept 11 clean sheets in 14 games. They’ve showcased both firepower and defensive solidity.
Whereas, Gibraltar have conceded heavily and are rooted to the bottom of the group without a point so far. Their reverse fixture saw them dumped 7-0. Additionally, recent friendlies have done little to boost confidence for the travelling side. A handicap swing or total goals bet seems poised for a lopsided outcome should Croatia maintain control.
Given his experience and attacking instincts, Ivan Perisic at +440 anytime offers high risk but a tantalizing upside. Though not the most frequent scorer in this group, Perisic’s ability to ghost into the box from wide areas means he could exploit gaps. Especially if Croatia dominate possession and territory which seems inevitable.
In a match expecting heavy flow in the final third, the odds likely reflect that he’s not the lead attacking threat. However, in a breakdown or late surge he remains dangerous. For bettors liking longshots with traction, this could be one to watch.
The -238 line on Luka Modric to score or assist seems to be justified. Even in his later years, Modric remains a central creative fulcrum. He’s one of the few in the Croatian setup consistently capable of threading through final-third passes, picking spots, and occasionally finishing from distance.
In matches where Croatia are expected to dominate, Modric’s influence will be magnified. He’s well placed to pick out chances or take shots himself. Given his role and pedigree, the odds cast him as a reliable contributor to Croatia’s attacking returns.
| Picks | Moneyline |
| Luka Modric to score first | +115 |
| Ivan Perisic to score anytime | +440 |
| Ante Budimir to assist anytime | +135 |
| Luka Modric to either score or assist | -238 |
| Marin Pongracic to see a card | +450 |
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Considering the gulf in class, recent history, and statistical patterns, a 5-0 win for Croatia seems the most plausible outcome. They have not lost in their last 14 World Cup qualifying matches. They also registered 11 clean sheets in that run. Gibraltar, conversely, have lost every match in qualifying to date and were thrashed 7-0 by Croatia already.
Expect Croatia to take early control, rotate their attack, and continue feeding opportunities to creative players like Modric and Perisic. Gibraltar, with no points and confidence shaken, offer scant resistance. A big win, clean sheet, and multiple goal contributors seem very much on the cards for Croatia.
The Croatia vs Gibraltar UEFA World Cup qualifiers clash is on October 12, 2025, at the Stadion Andelko Herjavec, Varazdin, Croatia.
Croatia are favorites to win with a moneyline at -100000, to draw at +6600 and for Gibraltar to win at +20000.
Ivan Perisic to score anytime: +440
Ante Budimir to assist anytime: +135
Luka Modric to either score or assist: -238
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