Spain can secure a place in the 2026-27 Nations League quarter-finals with a draw away to Croatia on Tuesday, but the trip to Split comes amid sharply contrasting moods. While Luis de la Fuente’s side arrive unbeaten for more than 40 matches and with three group victories already collected, Croatia are attempting to respond to a national shock.
A point in Split, a bigger test ahead
The match at Poljud, scheduled for 20:45, offers Spain a straightforward route into the last eight: one point is enough. Winning would strengthen their push for first place in the group, although that battle may still require a decisive meeting with England at the Metropolitano.
Croatia’s home ground could be an intense setting if the evening begins badly for the hosts. Their 7-0 defeat to England in Rijeka on Saturday has been described as the country’s worst performance since independence in the early 1990s, leaving a deep mark on the national mood.
- Spain need a draw to reach the quarter-finals.
- A victory would move them closer to top spot.
- England may yet determine first place in a later game in Madrid.
- Croatia are seeking a response after the 0-7 loss against England.
Croatia seek a reaction after Rijeka humiliation
The scale of the England defeat has prompted an angry response in Croatia. One newspaper urged the squad to “Light the fire and bring out your DNA”, a message reflecting the wound left by the result rather than merely a reaction to a poor afternoon.
Spain will therefore meet opponents carrying both pressure and pride into Poljud. The hosts have little room for another setback in front of their own support, especially after a result that has become a painful reference point for Croatian football.
Spain’s depth has carried them through absences
The visitors could hardly be arriving in a more settled position. Before the match against the Czech Republic, Spain coach Santi Denia described the atmosphere around the team as a “honeymoon”. World champions, unbeaten in over 40 games and perfect through their opening three Nations League fixtures, they have continued to win despite a lengthy injury and absence list during the international break.
- Pedro Porro
- Eric García
- Ferran Torres
- Álex Grimaldo
- Nico Williams
- Fabián Ruiz
De la Fuente has rotated effectively through those absences. Only Lamine Yamal has started each of Spain’s previous three matches, underlining his special standing even if the coach insists he is treated like any other player.
Lamine’s influence shapes selection choices
Lamine has produced four goals and one assist across those three appearances, making it difficult to imagine Spain leaving him out in Split. The coach managed his minutes at the Carlos Tartiere, but whether he starts or comes from the bench, the Barcelona forward is expected to feature.
Spain could also restore several players to the starting side. Pubill, Pau Cubarsí, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella, Martín Zubimendi, Fermín López and Mikel Oyarzabal were all in contention, with De la Fuente set to make his final decisions on the eve of the game.
