Croatia prepares for Nations League
The Croatian national football team is preparing for the new edition of the Nations League, where they will play for the importance in the European Championship qualifying draw. Bilić's team must maintain their place in the first pot to make the qualifying draw easier.
New qualifying system
From this edition of the Nations League, the new qualifying system for the European Championship will bring significant changes. Three top-placed teams from each of the four groups in the elite League A will secure a place in the first pot of the qualifying draw. Qualifying will bring a total of 12 groups with four or five teams, with the winners of the groups and the eight best second-placed teams securing a direct place in the European Championship.
Croatia in the new system
Croatia will need to maintain their place in the first pot of the qualifying draw to make the qualifying draw easier. In addition to maintaining their place in the first pot, they will avoid serious consequences that would result from finishing last behind England, Spain, and the Czech Republic. The fact that Croatia will not finish last will have a negative impact on their coefficient, which will put the team in a less favorable position not only in the European Championship qualifying draw but also in all future draws.
Defeat means a lower coefficient
One thing is crucial - not finishing last! The reason why this Nations League will be maybe the most important so far lies in the new qualifying system for the European Championship. Defeat in the League A before the big changes that will come into force from the 2028/29 season will mean a lower coefficient for the next few competitions.
Final word
Croatia will need to maintain their place in the first pot of the qualifying draw to make the qualifying draw easier. Bilić's team must play for much more than just a place in the Nations League. Every point will be of great importance, and Croatia must maintain their place in the first pot to make the qualifying draw easier.
Current status
Last result: Portugal 2-1 Croatia (2026-07-02). Recent form (last 5): 3W-0D-2L (LLWWW, most recent first); lost the last 2. Next fixture: vs Czechia (away, 2026-09-26) (4th in the table).
