Split’s Poljud Stadium will stage a sharp test of Croatia’s recovery on Tuesday, when Slaven Bilić’s side meet unbeaten Spain in the fourth round of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League. The hosts return to the Adriatic city after a punishing 7-0 defeat to England, while Spain arrive at the top of Group A3 with three wins from three.
The match is scheduled for 6 October, with kick-off at 15:45 Brasília time. Belgium’s Erik Lambrechts will referee the contest.
Croatia seek a response after Wembley collapse
Croatia sit third in the section on three points. Their campaign began with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic, but the following fixtures brought a 4-1 loss against Spain and then the heavy reverse against England.
Bilić has urged his players to treat the result in England as a moment that must shape their next performance rather than disappear from memory.
“I told the players that these are not matches to forget; they should remember them,” Bilić said. “If there is one positive, it is the need to respond. I expect that response. We have to win and show everything we failed to show against England.”
Croatia have no additional injury concerns, although Lovro Majer, Ante Budimir, Dion Beljo and Marin Pongračić are expected to remain out of the matchday squad.
Spain arrive perfect despite missing key names
Spain have taken maximum points in Group A3, scoring 10 times and conceding four across their opening three matches. Luis de la Fuente’s team most recently won 3-1 over the Czech Republic, following their earlier 4-1 success against Croatia.
The visitors travel without several established options. Defender Eric García, left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, and forwards Ferran Torres and Nico Williams are injured, while midfielder Fabián Ruiz is absent following the birth of his first child.
De la Fuente nevertheless expects a difficult evening against a Croatia side with recent pedigree in major international tournaments.
“Croatia are a fantastic team and one of the most important national sides of recent years,” he said. “What happened the other day was an accident. A result like that comes once in a lifetime, and it can motivate them. We also want to play a great match.”
Likely teams at Poljud
Croatia are expected to line up with Dominik Livaković in goal; Josip Stanišić, Luka Vušković, Joško Gvardiol and Ivan Perišić in defence; Mateo Kovačić and Luka Modrić in midfield; then Ivanović, Petar Sučić and Martin Baturina supporting Budimir.
Spain’s probable side features Unai Simón; Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Mikel Merino and Dani Olmo; with Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal and Álex Baena leading the attack.
A group race paused until November
England host the Czech Republic at Wembley in the other Group A3 fixture on Tuesday. Once this round is complete, the Nations League group phase will pause until November.
This is the fifth edition of the competition, and the 2026/27 calendar introduced an extended September-to-October international window that concludes during this fourth round. The tournament also carries consequences for qualification routes to Euro 2028 in England and the Republic of Ireland, as well as the European play-offs for the 2030 World Cup.
