Croatia v Spain – Confirmed lineups and pre-match updates for UEFA Nations League 2026-27

Croatia will host Spain at Stadion Poljud in their fourth group-stage fixture of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 on October 6, 2026, with the match following Croatia’s 0-7 defeat by England and Spain’s 3-1 victory over Czechia.

Slaven Bilić leads the Croatian side into the game after the heavy loss to England; Croatia are on a two-match losing run and have secured only one win so far in this Nations League campaign. The match is being played at home for the Vatreni, a factor the article notes could provide confidence ahead of the fixture.

Luis de la Fuente’s Spain arrive having extended their winning streak in the competition, their 3-1 success against Czechia taking them to victories in all of their UEFA Nations League 2026-27 matches to date. The report states that, despite being the visitors, La Roja will be fully confident for the game against Luka Modric and company.

The piece also notes that Spain have beaten Croatia recently, a result referenced without further detail in the pre-match update. That recent head-to-head outcome is presented as context for Spain’s confidence.

Mateo Kovacic is singled out as a player Croatia will rely on; the 32-year-old can operate as both a defensive and an attacking midfielder and is expected to try to lift his side’s performance in the fixture. The article describes Kovacic’s versatility as an asset for Croatia.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal is highlighted for scoring early in each of Spain’s three UEFA Nations League 2026-27 matches, with the 19-year-old finding the net in under 10 minutes in every game. The report adds that Yamal will look to increase his goals tally and remains a constant threat to opposing defences when in possession.

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