Croatia vs Spain: Yamal Faces Modric as Spain Close In on Nations League Quarterfinal Berth

The Croatia vs Spain match in Group A3 of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League kicks off at 20:45 local time on 6 October, or 18:45 GMT, at Stadion Poljud in Split, Croatia. Spain are on the verge of sealing an early spot in the quarterfinals.

World Cup holders Spain can book their place in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals with a win over Croatia in Split. With a perfect record in this edition and a 41-match unbeaten run across all competitions, the odds are heavily tilted in favour of Luis de la Fuente's side.

La Roja's attack is in fine form, having scored 10 goals in three matches through seven different players, with young talent Lamine Yamal leading the scoring charts.

In contrast to Spain, Luka Modric's Croatia are coming off the heaviest defeat in their history in their most recent outing. The clash is being billed as a meeting of generations, with 18-year-old Yamal up against 41-year-old Modric, who remains the driving force in Croatia's midfield.

What is the UEFA Nations League and how does it work?

The UEFA Nations League was created in 2018 to cut down on meaningless friendlies and create more competitive matches between national teams of similar ability. European countries compete in a league structure with promotion and relegation, split into four tiers. In the group stage, each team plays its group opponents twice, once at home and once away. The group stage concludes in November.

In League A, the top two teams in each group qualify for the quarterfinals in March 2027. The finals will feature four teams, but the venue and dates have yet to be confirmed.

Croatia and Spain's Nations League form

Croatia sit third in Group A3 with three points from three matches. They beat Czechia 2-1, lost 4-1 to Spain and were thrashed 7-0 by England.

Spain top the group with a perfect nine points from three matches. They beat England 3-2, Croatia 4-1 and Czechia 3-1.

Head-to-head record

The two sides have met 12 times. Spain have won seven, Croatia three, with two draws.

Recent form

(Last five matches, most recent first)

Croatia: Loss - Loss - Win - Loss - Win.

Spain: Win - Win - Win - Win - Win.

Players to watch

Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic (Croatia): Modric, 41, remains the heartbeat of Croatia's midfield and has scored once in this campaign. Veteran teammate Perisic has also made his mark with two assists.

Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena (Spain): With four goals in three matches, Yamal is joint-top scorer in this season's Nations League, level with three other players including England's Harry Kane. The Barcelona star has scored in all three games, including a brace against Croatia in their previous meeting in Seville. Atletico Madrid's Baena has also made an impact with two assists and a goal.

Team news and predicted line-ups

Croatia: Centre-back Martin Erlic is out until mid-October with an injury, while Josip Juranovic is absent through illness.

Predicted line-up: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Luka Vuskovic, Josko Gvardiol, Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric; Franjo Ivanovic, Petar Sucic, Mateo Kovacic, Martin Baturina; Petar Musa.

Spain: Four members of the squad are doubtful through injury: Ferran Torres (physical discomfort), Alejandro Grimaldo (thigh), Joan Garcia (knee) and Nico Williams (thigh).

Predicted line-up: David Raya; Ivan Fresneda, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, Fran Garcia; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Roberto Fernandez.

TV channels and live streaming

• Croatia: gol
• Spain: RTVE PLAY
• United Kingdom: Prime Video UK
• United States: FOX Sports, FuboTV, ViX
• India: Sony Sports Network
• Middle East and North Africa: beIN SPORTS
• South Africa: DStv Stream

Viewers can find their regional broadcaster on UEFA's official list.