Croatia set for historic clash in Spain’s heartland
Croatia will face Spain on September 29 in the Nations League second round at Seville’s Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium. The Spanish FA (RFEF) confirmed the fixture, marking Spain’s first home game since winning the 2026 World Cup in June.
The last time Spain hosted Croatia in Seville was on March 27, 2015, in Euro 2016 qualifiers. Since then, the two teams have met four times, with Croatia winning twice and drawing twice. Their most recent clash in March 2025 ended 2:1 for Croatia in Zagreb.
Why this match matters for the Croatians
This fixture follows Croatia’s 1:0 victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final in the USA. Over two million fans greeted the team in Madrid, fueling national euphoria. Spain, meanwhile, enters as the 2023 Nations League champions and 2025 runners-up.
Croatia’s last five games read three wins and two losses, including a 2:1 defeat to Portugal on July 2, 2026. They travel to Czechia on September 26, just four days before facing Spain. Currently fourth in the group with eight points, they sit four behind leaders Spain.
How Spain will leverage home advantage
Seville’s Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan has hosted Spain in 27 of their last 28 home games since 2000, with a record of 22 wins and five draws, no losses. The Croatia game will be the first time Spain’s two World Cup stars share the pitch in the Nations League.
RFEF called the fixture part of celebrations for Spain’s second world title and named Seville and Oviedo as co-hosts. After beating Croatia on September 29, Spain head to London to face England, then host Czechia in Oviedo on September 26.
What to expect from Croatia
The Croatians arrive fresh off a 2:0 win over Portugal in a friendly on July 20, 2026. Though they’ve lost their last two games, manager Zlatko Dalić has plenty of options. Captain Luka Modrić, the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, is expected to start.
Croatia must adapt to Spain’s quick passing and possession game, which has yielded eight wins and two draws in the past year. Dalić has already hinted he’ll use every available player to secure a Nations League finals spot.
