Spain Looks to Seal UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Spot Against Croatia in Split

Lamine Yamal has scored early goals in the last three matches for Spain. The UEFA Nations League 2026-27 Group A3 match takes place at Stadion Poljud in Split, Croatia, on Tuesday, October 6, at 8:45pm local time (18:45 GMT). Al Jazeera Sport brings all the build-up and live updates from 15:45 GMT.

FIFA World Cup holders Spain can confirm their ticket to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals when they face Croatia on their trip to Split. With a perfect record in the tournament and an overall 41-match unbeaten streak, the odds swing heavily in Spain’s favour to clinch victory. La Roja’s attack has been on fire this term, netting 10 goals from seven scorers in three games, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal leading the scoring charts.

Unlike Spain, Croatia’s performance has been far from exemplary, with Luka Modric’s side suffering their heaviest defeat in history in the last fixture. Before the clash of generations 2.0 between Yamal and Modric, everything you need to know is outlined below.

What is the UEFA Nations League?

The UEFA Nations League was founded in 2018 to reduce the number of meaningless friendlies and give nations competitive matches against equally ranked teams. Countries from across Europe participate in a league structure featuring promotion and relegation.

How does the UEFA Nations League work?

Teams compete across four divisions, facing every other team in their group twice: once at home and once away. The league phase ends in November. In the top league, League A, the top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, which take place in March 2027. The finals will again be contested between four teams, though the host and dates have not been confirmed yet.

How have Croatia and Spain played in the Nations League?

Croatia are third in this group with three points from three games following results against Czechia and England. Spain are first in the group with nine points with wins over England, Croatia, and Czechia.

Croatia vs Spain: Head-to-head

Matches: 12 | Croatia wins: 3 | Spain wins: 7 | Draws: 2

Croatia vs Spain: Form guide

Croatia: L-L-W-L-W
Spain: W-W-W-W-W

Top players to watch

Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic (Croatia): The evergreen Modric is the heartbeat of the Croatian midfield at 41 years old and has found the net once in this campaign. Ivan Perisic has also been impactful with two assists.

Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena (Spain): With four goals in three games, Yamal is the joint leading scorer in this year’s Nations League. Atletico Madrid’s Alex Baena has also been influential with two assists and a goal.

Team news and predicted lineups

Croatia: Centre-back Martin Erlic is sidelined with injury until mid-October, while Josip Juranovic is unavailable due to illness. Probable Croatia XI: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Luka Vuskovic, Josko Gvardiol, Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric; Franjo Ivanovic, Petar Sucic, Mateo Kovacic, Martin Baturina, Petar Musa.

Spain: Four Spain squad players are doubtful due to injuries: Ferran Torres, Alejandro Grimaldo, Joan Garcia, and Nico Williams. Probable Spain XI: David Raya; Ivan Fresneda, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, Fran Garcia; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Roberto Fernandez.

TV channel and livestreaming

Broadcasters include gol in Croatia, RTVE PLAY in Spain, Prime Video UK in the United Kingdom, FOX Sports, FuboTV, and ViX in the United States, Sony Sports Network in India, beIN SPORTS in the Middle East and North Africa, and Dstv Stream in South Africa.