Two Group L heavyweights, Czech Republic and Croatia, are set to lock horns in a high-stakes clash at the Fortuna Arena on Thursday night. Both nations are currently level on points at the top of the table. With only goal difference separating the two, this fixture could go a long way in deciding who takes automatic qualification control for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The hosts, Czechia, have enjoyed an excellent start to their qualifying campaign. Following their impressive UEFA Nations League promotion in 2024, they’ve carried that momentum into World Cup qualifiers. They have won four and lost just one of their opening five games. A comfortable 2–0 win over Montenegro last month, followed by a friendly draw against Saudi Arabia, has kept Jaroslav Šilhavý’s men in strong form.
| Bets | Moneyline | Moneyline |
| Full Time Result | Czech Republic: +190, Croatia: +140 | Draw: +230 |
| Draw No Bet | Czech Republic: +100 | Croatia: -145 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5: +105 | Under 2.5: -145 |
| Czech Republic to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +475 | No: +350 |
| Croatia to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +380 | No: +280 |
(Odds via BetMGM)
Czechia’s home record has been a fortress in recent times. They haven’t lost on home soil since September 2022, when Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal beat them 4–0 in the Nations League. With their defense conceding just six goals in five matches, the hosts will rely on their disciplined structure and pressing to frustrate a Croatia side that has looked nearly unstoppable so far.
Croatia have looked every bit the powerhouse expected of the 2018 World Cup finalists. Since their narrow Nations League quarterfinal exit to France in March, Zlatko Dalic’s side have responded with four straight wins in qualifying, scoring 17 goals and conceding just one. Their last outing saw them dismantle Montenegro 5–0.
The Vatreni have a deep, balanced squad with Andrej Kramaric leading the line superbly and Luka Modric continuing to dictate the midfield. Kramarić’s brace in their 5–1 victory over Czechia earlier this year remains fresh in memory, giving Croatia a psychological edge heading into this reverse fixture.
Over 2.5 Goals @ +105 looks like solid value for Czech Republic vs Croatia, given both teams’ recent scoring form. Croatia have been ruthless in attack, netting 17 goals in four qualifiers. Meanwhile, Czechia have scored at least twice in three of their last five matches. Their last meeting ended 5-1 in Croatia’s favour. With both sides boasting potent attacks, another open, high-tempo encounter seems highly likely.
Hoffenheim attacker Kramaric is Croatia’s in-form finisher in qualifying (6 goals in 4 games). He leads the attacking line and is accounting for the largest share of their shots and touches in the box. He already tore apart Czechia in June with a brace in the 5–1 win. With Croatia likely to control territory again, backing their hottest scorer offers solid value.
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Croatia arrive sharper and more balanced at both ends: four wins from four in qualifying, 17 scored and just one conceded. The hosts have been steady at home and usually create enough to nick a goal. Expect Czechia to threaten from set pieces. Croatia’s experience and control in midfield should tilt the fine margins their way.
Final Prediction: Czech Republic 1-2 Croatia
Bettors can explore a variety of betting options on BetMGM, including full-time results, over/under goals, and player props for this clash.
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