Czech Republic vs Croatia: UEFA World Cup Qualifiers – Pick & Prediction, October 9, 2025
The European section of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume on Thursday night, October 9, with one of the crucial games of the October round – the Czech Republic hosting Croatia at the Fortuna Arena in Prague.
When these two sides met earlier in the qualifying campaign, Croatia delivered a masterclass in Osijek, recording a massive 5-1 victory. Goals from Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Ante Budimir and a brace from Andrej Kramaric sealed a statement win for Zlatko Dalic’s men, while Tomáš Soucek’s equalizer proved only a consolation goal for the Czechs.
The five-star triumph wasn’t just a step closer to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next summer – it was a reminder of Croatia’s pedigree on the global stage. Having reached back-to-back World Cup semi-finals, finishing as runners-up in Russia (2018) and bronze medallists in Qatar (2022), the Vatreni once again look determined to stamp their authority early. A victory in Prague would all but guarantee qualification, with only Gibraltar left to beat on Sunday.
Head-to-Head History (H2H: Czech Republic vs Croatia)
Croatia remain unbeaten against the Czech Republic after five historical meetings, boasting two wins and three draws in regular play. Remarkably, both teams have scored in every encounter between the nations – including their two recent clashes at the European Championships: a 2-2 draw at Euro 2016 and a 1-1 draw at Euro 2021.
That pattern of open, attacking football is a key indicator for Thursday’s game, especially given what’s at stake for both sides.
Ivan Perisic, in particular, has made a habit of scoring against the Czechs – the veteran winger has found the net in each of their last three meetings, including those at Euro 2016 and 2021.
Czech Republic: Current Form and Squad News
Unlike their continental consistency – the Czech Republic have not missed a single European Championship since 1996 – the Narodak are still searching for their first World Cup appearance since Germany 2006. Back then, a golden generation featuring Petr Cech, Tomas Rosicky, Pavel Nedved, Karel Poborsky, Jan Koller and Milan Baros fell short in the group stage, marking the end of an era for Czech football.
Nearly two decades later, the team is once again within touching distance of a return to the world’s biggest stage. Led by Ivan Hasek, who captained Czechoslovakia at the 1990 World Cup in Italy and even scored in their famous 5-1 win over the United States, the current Czech side is determined to reclaim its place among football’s global elite. Hasek, now 62, has instilled renewed discipline and identity into the squad, but Thursday’s showdown against Croatia could define their campaign. Anything less than victory might force them to settle for second place in Group L and rely on the play-offs to qualify.
The Czech Republic have enjoyed a solid qualifying campaign so far, matching Croatia on points and keeping their hopes alive for a first World Cup appearance since Germany 2006. However, the task ahead is enormous – not just because of Croatia’s perfect form (they also have a game in hand), but due to key absences that have hampered Ivan Hasek’s squad.
The biggest blow is the loss of striker Patrik Schick, who suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out of Bayer Leverkusen’s last two games. Schick has been directly involved in five goals (four goals and one assist) in seven club appearances this season, and his absence leaves a significant void up front. Slavia Prague’s Tomas Chory is expected to lead the line in his place.
Goalkeeping options are also affected, with both Jindrich Stanek and Vítezslav Jaros sidelined through injury. As a result, PSV Eindhoven’s Matej Kovar remains first-choice to start between the posts.
Defensively, Hasek faces decisions regarding Robin Hranac and Vaclav Jemelka, who are competing for a starting spot beside Ladislav Krejcí at centre-back. In the middle of the park, captain Tomas Soucek will again anchor the side, partnered by Lukas Cerv, while Lukas Provod and Vaclav Cerný offer width and creativity in the more advanced roles either side of playmaker Pavel Sulc.
Croatia: Current Form and Squad News
Croatia’s qualifying run has been as dominant as ever. With a 17-1 goal difference so far, the Vatreni have reaffirmed their status as one of the most consistent forces in European football. Dalic’s side continues to blend world-class experience with exciting new talent, and their key leaders – captain Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramarić – remain at the heart of it all.
The main concern for Dalic comes in defense, where Josip Stanisic is sidelined with a knee ligament injury, while fellow right-back Josip Juranovic is also unavailable. This leaves Kristijan Jakić as the likely makeshift right-back, with Borna Sosa potentially recalled on the opposite flank.
In midfield, there are lingering doubts about Mateo Kovacic’s match fitness. The Manchester City man is recovering from Achilles surgery and has yet to start a competitive game this season, which could see either Petar Sucic or Nikola Moro deputize alongside Luka Modric.
Further up the pitch, Mario Pasalic, who recently captained his club Atalanta during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Como, is expected to operate from the flank, with Andrej Kramaric and Ivan Perisic providing creativity and goal threat behind Ante Budimir, who scored in the reverse fixture.
With minnows Gibraltar waiting at the weekend, Dalic will field his strongest lineup in Prague, knowing that victory here virtually seals Croatia’s ticket to North America.
Possible Starting Lineups of Czech Republic and Croatia
Czech Republic: Matej Kovar – Vladimír Coufal, Robin Hranac, Ladislav Krejci, Jaroslav Zeleny – Lukas Cerv, Tomas Soucek – Vaclav Cerny, Pavel Sulc, Lukas Provod – Tomas Chory. (4-2-3-1)
Croatia: Dominik Livakovic – Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Kristijan Jakic – Petar Sucic, Luka Modric – Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Mario Pasalic – Ante Budimir. (4-2-3-1)
Czech Republic vs Croatia Prediction and Betting Odds
Croatia enter this World Cup qualifier as narrow +130 favorites at EveryGame, but the hosts’ attacking ambition and the historical trend between these sides make Both Teams to Score – Yes the standout betting prediction for our team.
Hasek’s men will be driven by the home crowd and the knowledge that anything less than three points could push them toward a play-off path. But against a battle-hardened Croatia side, they must combine defensive discipline with courage going forward.
Every encounter between the nations has featured goals at both ends, and Thursday’s clash should be no different. The Czechs (priced at +190 to win) will have to push forward at home, while Croatia’s experience and technical superiority in transition make them lethal on the counterattack. The draw, meanwhile, is valued at +210.
A secondary value bet worth considering is Ivan Perisic Anytime Goalscorer (+275). The veteran winger has scored in each of his three previous matches against the Czechs and remains in sharp form for PSV Eindhoven this season, with one goal and five assists in seven Eredivisie starts.
In what promises to be a fiercely contested, perhaps even all or nothing game for the Czechs, expect both sides to find the net – though Croatia’s individual quality, resilience and experience may prove decisive.