Croatia's national team begins its UEFA Nations League 2026/27 campaign with an away fixture against Czechia on Friday night. It marks the first competitive match in charge for new manager Slaven Bilić, who took over following the team's round of 16 World Cup exit to Portugal.

The match will be played at the Fortuna Arena in Prague, kicking off at 20:45 CET. Bilić's side enters the contest in good spirits, having gone unbeaten in their last five meetings with the Czechs, recording two wins and three draws. The most recent encounter, on September 26, ended in a 2:1 victory for Croatia.

Bilić's First Team Sheet

Slaven Bilić has several key decisions to make regarding his starting eleven. Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković is the undisputed first choice. In defence, Josip Stanišić, Joško Gvardiol and either Josip Šutalo or Marin Pongračić are expected to start, with Martin Erlić injured. In midfield, the experienced duo of Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić will form the core, while veteran striker Ante Budimir is likely to lead the line. "Ante Budimir has shown some good performances for CA Osasuna since the beginning of the new season," said manager Bilić about his forward.

On the other side, Czechia is led by new coach Santi Denia, who had to adjust his squad after the withdrawals of David Zima, Lukáš Provod and Tomáš Chorý. Replacements Martin Vitík and Václav Sejk have been called up. A key player for the hosts could be Lyon forward Pavel Šulc. "The 25-year-old forward will be looking to step up his game so that he can get his side off to a winning start in the UEFA Nations League," Šulc noted.

Context and Objectives

This match is just the start of a tough group that also includes England and Spain. It's important for Croatia to start well to position themselves for promotion. Following this trip, the team travels to face Spain on Tuesday, September 29, for another stern test.

The expected starting lineup for Croatia is: Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Gvardiol; Vlašić, Modrić, Kovačić, Baturina, Sučić; Budimir. The match referee will be Italy's Simone Sozza. The official team sheets will be confirmed one hour before kick-off.

Read the full report at Khel Now