Czech Republic to host Croatia at Fortuna Arena in UEFA Nations League opener on September 26

Czech Republic will face Croatia at the Fortuna Arena on September 26 in the opening match of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 season. The fixture serves as the first competitive outing for both sides since the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Czechia arrive under a new head coach, Santi Denia, following a disappointing World Cup campaign in which they registered two losses and one draw and scored two goals. The national side have been flagged for defensive frailties and a lack of urgency in the final third, issues Denia will hope to address while using home advantage.

Croatia have also made a managerial change after their defeat to Portugal in the round of 32 at the World Cup, with Slaven Bilić appointed as manager. The source material reports that Croatia will aim to control matches from the start, reduce missed chances in the final third, improve their defence and deploy effective counter-attacks under Bilić.

A 25-year-old forward is noted in the preview as being in decent form for his club Lyon this season and is described as capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or as a striker; he is expected to seek an improved international contribution in the Nations League. The article does not name this player but states his club form and positional versatility.

Ante Budimir is highlighted for Croatia; the 35-year-old striker has produced good performances for CA Osasuna early in the season. Budimir has made 41 appearances for Croatia and scored seven goals for his country, and the preview notes he will be looking to add to that total.

The preview says all squad members for both sides are fit for selection and provides the following lineups: Czech Republic — Kovar (GK); Vitik, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Kral, Cerv, Sadilek, Karabec; Sulc, Hlozek. Croatia — Livakovic (GK); Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; Vlasic, Sucic, Baturina; Budimir.

The preview records that Czech Republic have not yet beaten Croatia and will aim to change that at home, while also noting an expectation that the Vatreni will come out on top and secure three points. The match at Fortuna Arena on September 26 (BST) will be available via Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV in India, Prime Video UK and S4C in the UK, and FOX Sports, FuboTV and ViX in the USA.