Spain v Croatia: UEFA Nations League 2026-27 preview, team news and lineups (Sept 29)
Spain will host Croatia at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium on September 29 in their second group match of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27, with both teams entering the fixture after victories in their opening games.
Luis de la Fuente’s Spain come in off a 3-2 win over Thomas Tuchel’s England but conceded two goals, an outcome the preview describes as uncommon given Spain’s usual defensive structure; Croatia, managed by Slaven Bilić, beat Czechia 2-1 in their opener and will travel as the visiting side. The preview notes Spain’s home advantage while warning that Croatia "cannot afford to make the slightest of mistakes against the World Champions."
Lamine Yamal scored for Spain in under three minutes in the 3-2 victory over England and was described as particularly effective on the right flank and a consistent threat to the opposition’s defence. The article reproduces the social media highlight: "Lamine Yamal within two minutes ⚡️#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/jfzaxCg0zE" and says Yamal is expected to play an important role again in La Roja’s attack.
At 41 years old, Luka Modric is reported to remain influential for Croatia; he was listed among the scorers against Czechia and the preview states he created problems for the opponents with the ball at his feet. The piece adds that Modric will be looking to produce another top performance for the Vatreni.
Spain suffered a squad change when Eric Garcia left the camp with an injury and was replaced by Robin Le Normand, according to the preview, while it states all selected Croatian squad members are fit and available. The article lists the match-day selections as: Simon (GK); Pubill, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Ferran and for Croatia: Livakovic (GK); Stanisic, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Perisic; Modric, Kovacic; Luka Sucic, Petar Sucic, Ivanovic; Metanovic.
Broadcasting information in the preview indicates viewers in India can watch on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV, while audiences in the United States can find coverage on FOX Sports, FuboTV and ViX. The clash is scheduled to take place on September 29 (BST) at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.
For match updates the article directs readers to follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to download the Khel Now Android or iOS app and to join the community on Telegram; the confirmed next event remains the Spain v Croatia UEFA Nations League group match on September 29 (BST).
