Croatia vs Czech Republic Preview, Prediction, News and Lineups: 9/6/2025

On Monday, June 9, 2025, Croatia and the Czech Republic will meet at the Opus Arena in Osijek for a key Group Stage fixture in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. With kickoff scheduled for 19:45 local time, both sides are targeting vital points to strengthen their path to qualification. The match is shaping up to be an intense showdown between two teams with strong ambitions and contrasting recent narratives.

Croatia, aiming to recover from a tough loss in their last outing, will look to lean on experience and home support. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic arrive with momentum after a dominant start to their campaign.

Croatia Overview

Croatia come into the fixture needing a response after falling to France in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regular and extra time. While the 5-4 loss on penalties was a blow, the team’s performance showed their ability to remain competitive against top-tier opposition.

Their track record in World Cup qualification has been more consistent. Croatia have picked up four wins and one draw in their last five qualifiers, underscoring their capacity to perform when it matters most. This contrasts with a broader form guide that includes one win, two draws, and two losses across all competitions in their five most recent games.

Zlatko Dalić, who has managed the team since 2017, remains central to Croatia’s tactical identity. Known for favoring controlled possession and intelligent build-up play, Dalić’s leadership was instrumental in Croatia’s runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup and semifinal appearance in 2022. He will be counting on key players such as Luka Modrić, Marcelo Brozović, and Joško Gvardiol to stabilize the team and dictate the rhythm of the match.

Croatia’s home record in qualification rounds has typically been strong. With familiar surroundings and supportive fans in Osijek, they will be expected to play on the front foot and control large portions of the game.

Czech Republic Overview

The Czech Republic approach this match in excellent shape, sitting at the top of their qualifying group with six points from two matches. Their opening wins—bolstered by a goal difference of 6:1—have positioned them as early front-runners in the campaign.

Most recently, the Czech side recorded a comprehensive 4-0 away victory against Gibraltar, showcasing their ability to capitalize against weaker opponents and maintain attacking sharpness. In their last five matches across all competitions, they remain undefeated, with three wins and two draws. This unbeaten streak reflects a balanced approach combining tactical structure and attacking efficiency.

Under head coach Ivan Hašek, who took charge in 2023, the team has adopted a disciplined system that emphasizes defensive organization and efficient counterattacks. Hašek has also promoted several emerging talents while maintaining a core of experienced international players, producing a well-rounded and adaptable unit.

The Czech Republic’s strength away from home, demonstrated in the Gibraltar result and previous campaigns, suggests they will not be easily unsettled by Croatia’s home advantage.

Head-to-Head and Historical Context

The most recent contest between Croatia and the Czech Republic ended in a 1-1 draw, reflecting the closely matched nature of their meetings. Across their last four encounters, Croatia have two victories while the remaining two ended in draws. The Czech Republic have yet to register a win against Croatia in that span.

This modest edge in the head-to-head record gives Croatia a psychological boost, though the matches have typically been competitive and decided by fine margins.

Team Form and Recent Results

Croatia’s recent form includes:

• 1 win
• 2 draws
• 2 losses

Their latest outing was a 0-2 defeat to France after extra time, followed by a 5-4 penalty shootout loss.

The Czech Republic’s form reads:

• 3 wins
• 2 draws
• 0 losses

They enter the match off a 4-0 win against Gibraltar away from home, highlighting both their current confidence and offensive potency.

Betting Outlook and Market Insights

For bettors, Croatia are modest favorites. The best available odds for a home victory are 1.66 with 1win. A draw is offered at 4.00, and a Czech Republic win stands at 5.30. These odds reflect Croatia’s home-field advantage and stronger qualification pedigree, although the Czech Republic’s form adds value to the underdog position.

In the Both Teams to Score market, both “Yes” and “No” are priced at 1.88 with Melbet. Given both teams’ recent goal-scoring trends and the open nature of their play, “Yes” could be a favorable selection.

More adventurous punters might consider handicap markets or goal totals to find higher potential returns. Meanwhile, many sportsbooks currently offer welcome bonuses and free bet credits for new users, which can be leveraged on high-profile fixtures like this one.

Prediction

While the Czech Republic have been consistent and unbeaten in recent matches, Croatia’s World Cup pedigree, depth, and home advantage make them slight favorites in this encounter. The hosts are likely to dominate possession and create more chances, but they will need to remain vigilant against a Czech side capable of counterattacking with precision.

Given Croatia’s experience and motivation to bounce back from their recent setback, a narrow home victory appears likely. However, considering both teams’ ability to score, a scenario where each side finds the net remains probable.

Prediction: Croatia 2–1 Czech Republic