Croatia v Spain preview: Nations League group meeting at Stadion Poljud on October 6

Croatia will host Spain at the Stadion Poljud on October 6 (BST) in a UEFA Nations League 2026-27 group-stage match. Spain have won all of their UEFA Nations League 2026-27 games so far.

Slaven Bilić’s Croatia come into the fixture on the back of a 0-7 defeat by England, are on a two-match losing streak and have managed only one win in the current Nations League campaign; the hosts will be under pressure and “must do something extraordinary against world champions Spain,” the preview notes.

Luis de la Fuente’s Spain beat Czechia 3-1 in their most recent outing, have produced balanced performances and have already beaten Croatia recently, the article reports.

Mateo Kovacic, 32, is singled out as a player who can operate as both a defensive and an attacking midfielder and “will be looking to step up his game so that he can help his side stand a chance against La Roja.”

Lamine Yamal, 19, has scored in under 10 minutes in each of Spain’s three Nations League matches so far; the piece included the tweet: "Another game, another Lamine Yamal goal 🪄#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/6DavNtGw0J" and states that Yamal will be a constant threat to opponents with the ball at his feet.

Pavel Sulc will continue to sit out for Croatia due to his suspension; Ferran Torres has withdrawn from the Spanish squad with physical discomfort and Carlos Espi has joined. Projected lineups listed are: Croatia: Livakovic (GK); Stanisic, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Perisic; Modric; Ivanovic, Sucic, Kovacic, Baturina; Musa. Spain: Raya (GK); Fresneda, Le Normand, Laporte, Garcia; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Espi.

Broadcast arrangements named in the preview put the match in India on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV, and in the USA on FOX Sports, FuboTV and ViX, with live streaming available via the SonyLIV app and website.

La Roja are likely to come out on top and secure three points in their upcoming UEFA Nations League clash.