Spain face Croatia in the UEFA Nations League in Split on Tuesday as the visitors look to secure early qualification for the quarter-finals.
The match at the Poljud Stadium marks the fourth round of fixtures in Group A3. Luis de la Fuente's Spain side require just one more point to guarantee their place in the quarter-finals while maintaining their position at the top of the group.
Spain arrive in Croatia holding a 100 per cent record in the competition after winning all three of their group matches so far. The Spanish team defeated England 3-2 in their opening fixture before securing a 4-1 victory over Croatia in the second round and overcoming the Czech Republic 3-1 in their most recent match.
The UEFA Nations League is Europe's international tournament played during international breaks, replacing traditional friendly matches with competitive group play. Spain enter as one of the elite sides in European football, having established themselves among the continent's top international teams across recent global and continental competitions.
Croatia seeking recovery following historic loss
Croatia enter Tuesday's encounter under heavy pressure to recover after a difficult run of results. Slaven Bilić's team opened their Group A3 campaign with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic but subsequently suffered consecutive losses against Spain and England.
Their 7-0 defeat against England made history as the heaviest defeat ever suffered by the Croatian national team. The side now returns home to Split needing a positive result to rebuild momentum in the group standings.
Croatia host the fixture at the 34,000-capacity Poljud Stadium in Split, the country's second-largest city located on the Adriatic coast. The Croatian national team has built a reputation as one of international football's most competitive sides, highlighted by back-to-back World Cup podium finishes in 2018 and 2022.
Confirmed team lineups for Group A3 clash
Croatia head coach Slaven Bilić has selected Dominik Livakovic to start in goal. The defensive back four features Josip Stanisic, Luka Vuskovic, Josip Gvardiol, and Marko Perisic. Sutalo forms the central midfield unit alongside Kovacic and veteran captain Luka Modric, while Nikola Vlasic, Kristijan Jakic, and Igor Matanovic lead the attack.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente names Unai Simón in goal behind a defense composed of Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella. The midfield features Rodri, Pedri, and Dani Olmo, with an attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Alex Baena.
The fixture brings together several prominent figures in modern football. Croatia's Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic provide extensive experience in central midfield, while Spain feature Ballon d'Or contender Rodri alongside young talents Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí.
Match details and broadcast guide
The Group A3 match between Croatia and Spain takes place on Tuesday, 6 October 2026. Kick-off is set for 15:45 Brasilia time at the Poljud Stadium in Split, Croatia.
In Brazil, football fans can watch the match live on subscription television channel ESPN. The game will also be available via online streaming on Disney+, with live text coverage hosted by CNN Esportes.
