Croatie – Espagne

Recent form · Written before the match

Spain’s last three documented matches are England 2-3 Spain on September 26, Spain 4-1 Croatia on September 29 and Spain 3-1 Czechia on October 3, 2026. Croatia beat Czechia 2-1 on September 26, then lost 1-4 to Spain on September 29 and 0-7 to England on October 3.

Spain are first in Group A3 with 9 points, while Croatia are third with 3 points. Both teams have played four matches in roughly twelve days; Spain must also travel to Split after their match in Oviedo.

No comparable xG, shots or pressing metric has been verified.

Head-to-head · Written before the match

The recent documented head-to-head meetings are Spain 4-1 Croatia on September 29, 2026, and the 2023 Nations League final, which ended 0-0 after extra time and was then won 5-4 by Spain on penalties in Rotterdam. The 4-1 is the most relevant precedent because it concerns the same international window, but the change of venue and rotations limit its significance.

The 2023 final is a historical precedent and does not constitute current prédictive evidence.

Absences and returns

Nico Williams left the Spain squad after experiencing pain in his left thigh, confirmed by federation examinations on 1 October 2026. Grimaldo left the camp after discomfort in his thigh and was replaced by Fran García, confirmed on 30 September 2026.

Any Croatian absences or suspensions have not been verified, nor has the individual physical condition of the other players.

Context & news

The match is matchday 4 of League A, Group A3, of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, scheduled for 6 October 2026 at 20 h 45 local time at Poljud Stadium in Split; the appointed referee is Erik Lambrechts. Scenario favourable to Spain: its recent attacking momentum and Croatia’s defensive difficulties, with 11 goals conceded in the last two matches, could allow it to control transitions.

Scenario favourable to Croatia: returning home, a more cautious approach after the 0-7 defeat and the absences, travel or rotation affecting Spain could favour transitions and set pieces. The lineup, goalkeeper and Croatia’s ability to withstand the first press remain the main unknowns.