Czech Republic vs Croatia: prediction & betting odds 9 October 2025

The Matchday 7 clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers between Czech Republic and Croatia will take place on October 9 at the Eden Arena in Prague. Czech Republic vs. Croatia: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Czech Republic

The current qualifying campaign has been mixed for the team. On one hand, the Czechs have secured 4 wins in 5 World Cup qualifiers and are vying for the top spot in the group. However, Ivan Hasek's side has only defeated opponents with significantly weaker squads – beating Faroe Islands and Gibraltar once each, and Montenegro twice. The crucial away game against Croatia ended in a heavy defeat (1-5). To secure direct qualification for the World Cup, Czech Republic needs to avenge their rival with the largest possible victory at home. It's worth noting that the team is unbeaten in 7 consecutive home World Cup qualifiers (5 wins, 2 draws), and their scoring streak at home in this tournament spans 9 matches.

• At least 2 goals were scored in 9 of the last 10 World Cup qualifying matches for the national team.
• The Czechs have an uncompromising streak in this tournament, totaling 8 games (6 wins, 2 losses).
• The team has not lost in 7 of their last 9 World Cup qualifiers (6 wins, 1 draw).

Predicted lineup for Czech Republic (4-2-3-1)

Matej Kovar – Vladimir Coufal, Robin Granach, Ladislav Krejci, Jaroslav Zeleny – Tomas Soucek, Lukas Cerv – Vaclav Cerny, Pavel Schulz, Lukas Provod – Tomas Chory.

Due to injuries, forward Patrik Schick, defender Tomas Holes, and goalkeepers Jindrich Stanek and Vitezslav Jaros did not join the national team.

Croatia

The team is confidently progressing towards another World Cup appearance. In the first half of the qualifying stage, Croatia defeated each opponent in the group, winning all four matches. Zlatko Dalic's side has already scored 17 goals and conceded just 1. In World Cup qualifying, the team has won 6 consecutive matches, and their unbeaten streak extends to 13 games (11 wins, 2 draws). Croatia tops the table, significantly ahead of Czech Republic in goal difference, and still has one game in hand.

• The team has kept a clean sheet in 10 of their last 13 World Cup qualifying games.
• At least 3 goals were scored in 7 of Croatia's last 9 matches in this tournament.
• The national team has won their last 5 away World Cup qualifying matches.

Predicted lineup for Croatia (4-2-3-1)

Dominik Livakovic – Kristijan Jakic, Josip Sutalo, Duje Caleta-Car, Josko Gvardiol – Luka Modric, Petar Sucic – Mario Pasalic, Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric – Franjo Ivanovic.

Due to injuries, defenders Josip Stanisic and Josip Juranovic are not included in the squad.

Referee

Francois Letexier (France)

Matches – 16 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 74;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;

Red cards shown – 4;

Average fouls per match – 22;

Penalties – 44%.

Match Prediction: Czech Republic vs. Croatia

This match is crucial for both teams – it could very well decide the top spot in the group and direct qualification for the World Cup. Czech Republic needs a significant win, so they must play boldly and aggressively. Ivan Hasek's side requires a lot of goals, and it's important to note that the Czechs have scored in 8 of their last 9 World Cup qualifiers, including all 5 matches in the current qualifying cycle. Their home scoring streak in this tournament spans 9 games.

Croatia will be satisfied with a draw, but it's unlikely that the team will play defensively. Zlatko Dalic's side has won 6 consecutive World Cup qualifiers, with 4 of those wins being by wide margins. The team's scoring streak in World Cup qualifying has reached 10 matches, with Croatia scoring at least 2 goals in 7 of those 10 games. Even on the road, the team has scored in 5 consecutive World Cup qualifying matches.

In my opinion, both teams are likely to score. Prediction: Both teams to score – yes