Croatia vs Faroe Islands: Predictions, Team News, and Lineups

Croatia is set to face the Faroe Islands in an important World Cup qualifying match on Friday at Stadion HNK Rijeka. With just one point needed to secure top spot in their group for the 2026 World Cup, Croatia is determined to avoid any setbacks against their opponents.

Match Overview

Currently leading their group, Croatia has gathered 16 points from six qualifying matches. A single point from this game would guarantee their automatic qualification. The Faroe Islands, sitting in third place with 12 points, are at risk of elimination if they fail to secure a win.

Recent Performance

• Croatia’s last match ended in a 3-0 victory over Gibraltar on October 12.
• The team has gone unbeaten in their last six matches, with five wins.
• Defensively, Croatia has conceded just one goal in their qualifying campaign, boasting five clean sheets in their last six fixtures.
• On the offensive end, Croatia has scored 20 goals in the qualifiers, surpassing their total from the previous 13 matches.

Faroe Islands have found some momentum, winning their last three qualifying matches. They have scored a total of 10 goals in this campaign, with seven of those goals coming in their prior three games. Their last encounter with Croatia was in September, where they narrowly lost 1-0.

Team News

Croatia will likely field a strong lineup, featuring key players such as Josko Gvardiol and Duje Caleta-Car in defense. Although Mateo Kovacic is sidelined until February, Luka Modric is expected to take on a central role in midfield.

• Potential Starting XI for Croatia: Kotarski; Pasalic, Caleta-Car, Erlic, Gvardiol; Moro, Modric; Pasalic, Kramaric, Fruk; Ivanovic.

The Faroe Islands may opt for a three-player defense with selections like Odmar Faero and Gunnar Vatnhamar. They will look to striker Joan Simun Edmundsson for offensive support.

• Possible Starting XI for Faroe Islands: Lamhauge; Faero, Vatnhamar, Edmundsson; Benjaminsen, Olsen, Turi, Davidsen; Frederiksberg, Edmundsson, Sorensen.

Match Prediction

While Croatia may adopt a cautious approach given their position in the standings, the Faroe Islands will only have a win to keep their hopes alive. Despite the anticipated competitive atmosphere, Croatia is favored to grasp victory in this match.