Spain bring their new world-champions’ status home to Seville on Tuesday, with Croatia arriving at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán for a Nations League group-stage meeting that could shape the early balance of the section.
Luis de la Fuente’s side opened with a comeback win over England at Wembley, taking three points from a demanding first night. Now Spain play in front of their own supporters for the first time since lifting the world title in New York, with the second star set to appear on home soil.
Quick facts
- Spain v Croatia takes place on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
- Kick-off at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán is scheduled for 20:45.
- It is the second round of the Nations League group phase.
- Spain have won seven of the teams’ 11 previous meetings; Croatia have won three, with one draw.
- Spain won their latest encounter, 3-0 in Berlin at Euro 2024.
Spain’s Wembley recovery added to the feeling around the squad that they remain exceptionally difficult to shift once a match turns against them. De la Fuente will look for another victory in Nervión, but Croatia arrive with their own points already secured after overcoming the Czech Republic.
That Croatian win was harder work than expected, yet Luka Modrić again carried much of the authority. At 41, the midfielder remains the central figure for the chequered shirts and will lead their attempt to disrupt Spain’s first home occasion since becoming world champions.
The contest has become a familiar European international pairing. Their most recent meeting came in the Euro 2024 group stage, when Spain swept Croatia aside 3-0 in Berlin through goals from Álvaro Morata, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Carvajal.
Spain hold the stronger overall record, with seven wins from 11 games against Croatia. Croatia have taken three victories, while one match ended level, leaving Tuesday’s fixture as another significant chapter in a rivalry that has repeatedly surfaced on major international nights.
The match will be shown in Spain on La 1 and RTVE Play.
