Croatia Predicted XI
Croatia travels to Prague on Thursday, October 9th, for what could be the defining match of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Kicking off at 2:45 PM EST, the clash against Czechia isn’t just another group-stage fixture — it’s the deciding battle for direct qualification. Both sides know what’s at stake, and both enter the match with something to prove.
Dominik Livaković is confirmed to start, but many questions surround his form. The Croatian number one hasn’t played a second of competitive football since the Montenegro qualifier last month, struggling for minutes at his new club Girona. Dalić’s faith in him remains, but his sharpness will be at test and many fans have been calling for a Kotarski start. I say stick to what’s been working, as we’ve only conceded one goal in qualifying, and Livaković has shown no reason to be benched for the Vatreni.
The defence, however, brings good news. Joško Gvardiol and Josip Šutalo are back to full health, restoring stability and pace at the back. Kristijan Jakić replaces the injured Stanišić, and honestly, that’s fine. Jakić was one of the standout performers of the last international window, showcasing his versatility and goalscoring touch.
But the real talking point? Luka Vušković. The 18-year-old phenom needs to start. The kid has been a revelation at Hamburg — breaking records for aerial duels, scoring a goal, and even winning Bundesliga Rookie of the Month. While Duje Ćaleta-Car remains a reliable veteran presence, Vušković represents the future, and this is the moment to give him that test. If not against Czechia, surely he has to play the 90 against Gibraltar.
In midfield, it’s another blend of experience and youth. Luka Modrić, now the heartbeat of a resurgent Milan side, continues to defy time, leading his club into a surprise Scudetto race. Alongside him, Petar Sučić is thriving at Inter, breaking into Chivu’s rotation and earning plaudits from Nerazzurri fans for his technique and composure, many preferring him to veterans like Mkhitaryan or Çalhanoglu.
If those two can dictate tempo and pull Czechia’s midfield out of shape, Croatia will dominate possession and set the tone for the result.
On the wings, we continue to want to see Marco Pašalić finally get his chance — his quickness and direct play could add a new dimension to Croatia’s sometimes rigid attack. However, Dalić will probably opt for Mario Pašalić again. Still, expect Marco to feature late off the bench or at least against Gibraltar.
Up top, there’s no debate. Ante Budimir starts. His aerial threat and knack in the box make him indispensable right now. Ivanović will likely come off the bench if Croatia needs fresh legs or a spark.
And then, of course, Ivan Perišić will do his thing on the left. He remains Croatia’s X-factor.
Another thing to note is that Czechia will be without their star striker Patrik Schick, and young winger Adam Hložek. This game needs to go like the last outing in Osijek for Croatia to firmly secure qualification. Can the Vatreni seal their fate in Prague with a win over the Czechs?
Drop your scoreline and thoughts below — who’s your pick for man of the match?
Milan Modric is in top form.
Playing once a week for the full 90 has given him even more sharpness.
Perišić keeps on getting stronger and stronger as his world class athlete self distances himself from his knee surgery.
Our two top ballers are healthy and hungry.
Petar Sučić is a Modrić match with his legs and lungs.
Jakić is the ultimate warrior and has proven he can deliver up and down the flank.
Gvardiol… enough said.
Please play Marco P early on, as Czechia, regardless of injuries will run hard for the full 90+ at home with WCQ lives on the line.
Budimir is due.
Kramaric is our best finisher and most underrated nogometaš post Rakitić.
These days our depth continues to inspire.
Also Gibraltar at home up next gives us full focus for this one. This has to be the easiest group I have e ever seen for Croatia.
Spinning our way dečki.
U boj.
We have played them 5 times for 2 wins and 3 draws. The match tomorrow will be the first time that we have played them on their own turf.
12 Dec 1996 Croatia v Czech Republic D 1-1 Hassan II Trophy
Croatia win on penalties
09 Feb 2011 Croatia v Czech Republic W 4-2 International Friendly
17 Jun 2016 Czech Republic v Croatia D 2-2 UEFA European Championship
18 Jun 2021 Croatia v Czech Republic D 1-1 UEFA European Championship
09 Jun 2025 Croatia v Czech Republic W 5-1 FIFA World Cup
100% agree – Ivan Perisic is Croatias X-factor.
Would prefer Vuskovic to come off the bench at half time when we are 2-0 up.
2-0 Croatia. This group is so bad that even Cardiac Croatia can’t mess it up. On the other hand,………………………………….
Clean slate, need to stay humble, and focused. A must win for Czech Republic, than for croatia.
Hope we can get Orsic back on the travelling roster, not just standby. Who to leave off ,……maybe Moro?
Sounds like a winning line up to me. Luka Vuskovic @ 18?, and modric @ 40, that ‘s a 22 age spread unbelievable. Glad to get more time for Jakic to confirm who he is.
Obviously on paper we should win this, but you never know with the cardiac Croats, especially with when it’s not a top team that we play against..!
Watching our U18 play Ukraine in a friendly match in Porec.
Shocking challenge studs up over the ball by our player Kresimir Rados just before HT resulting in a broken leg for the Ukranian player Kuti who coincidently plays for Hajduk juniors. Rados got red carded and the kid was also visibly upset.
The team is getting ready for the next month’s WC in Qatar. The score was 1 – 0 at HT and has finished 2 – 0, however all was overshadowed by the shocking injury.
Looking at the replay of the tackle, it was more of studs up from the side rather than over the top.
I think the lineup will be:
Livaković
Jakić, Šutalo, Čaleta Car, Gvardiol
P. Sučić, Modrić
Kramarić, Mario Pašalić, Perišić
Budimir
Dalic has indicated that Kovacic will get a run against Gibraltar and most likely Kotarski will get a chance in goal. Gibraltar match might also be a good opportunity to start Vuskovic.
Latest reports are indicating that Czechia will be without 4 regulars, the two forwards mentioned above and also two defenders one being their CB.
Tough match ahead, they need to win and I think they will come out attacking looking for an early goal. This might open some opportunities for us in transition for the likes of Perisic to get some quality crosses into the box for Budimir and co.
Their main danger will be from set pieces i.e. freekicks and corners.
It would be nice if we could win, but I reckon it might end in a draw.
This will be the lineup (maybe interchange Kramaric and Mario Pasalic) but either way, this is it.