Matchday 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers between Croatia and Czech Republic will take place on June 9 at the Opus Arena in Osijek. Croatia vs. Czech Republic: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Croatia
Zlatko Dalic's team missed the previous rounds due to their participation in the Nations League. In their first qualification match, Croatia faced Gibraltar and thrashed them 7-0, marking the largest victory in the tournament so far. Currently, they are in third place in the group, with three matches in hand and a chance to top the table. Notably, in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Croatia topped Group H and went unbeaten in 9 out of 10 matches.
- Croatia has not conceded more than one goal in 10 of their last 11 World Cup qualification matches.
- Croatia has kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 World Cup qualification matches.
- The team has not lost in their last 11 home World Cup qualification matches.
Predicted lineup for Croatia (4-2-3-1)
Dominik Livakovic – Marin Pongracic, Josip Stanisic, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Juranovic – Lovro Majer, Petar Sucic – Luka Sucic, Mario Pasalic, Ivan Perisic – Ante Budimir.
Czech Republic
Under Ivan Hasek, the Czech Republic has collected maximum points from their first three qualification matches to top Group L. The team defeated the Faroe Islands (2-1), Gibraltar (4-0), and Montenegro (2-0). Their nearest group stage rival, Montenegro, trails by three points, with both teams having one match remaining. Notably, the Czech team has not conceded more than one goal in their last three matches. Moreover, they are currently second in the qualifiers for goals scored (8), only behind Norway (12).
- The Czech Republic has not lost in 6 of their last 7 World Cup qualification matches.
- At least two goals have been scored in the last three World Cup 2026 qualification matches.
- The Czech team has not conceded more than one goal in 6 of their last 7 World Cup qualification games.
Predicted lineup for Czech Republic (4-2-3-1)
Matej Kovar – Tomas Holes, Jaroslav Zeleny, Ladislav Krejci, Vladimir Coufal – Lukes Cerny, Tomas Soucek – Vaclav Cerny, Adam Hlozek, Pavel Schulz – Patrik Schick.
Match Prediction: Croatia vs. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has started the current qualification cycle successfully, earning maximum points by winning their last three matches. Among these was an away game against Gibraltar, where they confidently led 4-0. The Czech team performs well on the road, either winning or losing by a narrow margin. They have not lost with a handicap (+1) in 6 of their last 7 away World Cup qualification matches (4 wins, 2 draws). Ivan Hasek's side is clearly not looking to relinquish their lead.
Croatia, meanwhile, also began their qualification cycle well, defeating Gibraltar 7-0 in their first match. However, the team often wins or loses by just one goal. Croatia has played with a narrow scoreline in 6 of their last 7 home matches. Notably, in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Croatia topped the table. It is likely that Croatia will also compete for the top spot in this qualification.
I expect a tense match with a narrow scoreline.
My prediction: Czech Republic with a handicap (+1)
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match in this tournament.
