The UEFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers continue on 7 September 2025, with Croatia hosting Montenegro in a crucial Group clash. Croatia, World Cup finalists in 2018 and semi-finalists in 2022, are once again among the favorites to qualify. Montenegro, meanwhile, aim to punch above their weight and cause an upset against their more experienced Balkan neighbors.
This all-Balkan fixture promises intensity, rivalry, and passionate football.
Recent Form
Croatia: Solid in qualifiers so far, combining experience (Modrić, Perišić) with exciting young talents. They are unbeaten in their last few home qualifiers and will be favorites again here.
Montenegro: Inconsistent form with defensive struggles, but they’ve shown resilience and the ability to grind out results against mid-tier opponents. Against a big side like Croatia, discipline will be key.
Head-to-Head (H2H)
Matches Played: 5
Croatia Wins: 4
Draws: 1
Montenegro Wins: 0
Croatia have never lost to Montenegro, making them overwhelming favorites historically.
Team News
Croatia
Luka Modrić expected to start despite his age, orchestrating midfield.
Josko Gvardiol (Man City) a defensive rock, should start at centre-back.
Ivan Perišić and Andrej Kramarić provide attacking depth.
No major injury concerns reported.
Montenegro
Key man Stevan Jovetić likely to lead the line with his experience.
Stefan Savić (Atlético Madrid) will anchor the defense.
Few injury issues, but squad depth is a challenge compared to Croatia.
Key Players to Watch
Croatia:
Luka Modrić – Midfield maestro, still dictating play.
Josko Gvardiol – Defensive leader, vital against Montenegro’s counter.
Andrej Kramarić – Goal threat with his finishing.
Montenegro:
Stevan Jovetić – Most experienced forward, capable of a moment of brilliance.
Stefan Savić – Needs to marshal defense against Croatia’s attack.
Predicted Lineups
| Croatia (4-3-3) | Montenegro (4-4-2) |
|---|---|
| Livaković (GK) | Mijatović (GK) |
| Stanišić | Radunović |
| Gvardiol | Savić (C) |
| Šutalo | Vujačić |
| Sosa | Marušić |
| Modrić (C) | Kosović |
| Brozović | Janković |
| Kovačić | Vukčević |
| Perišić | Hakšabanović |
| Kramarić | Beqiraj |
| Petković | Jovetić |
Match Prediction
Croatia have more quality, depth, and experience, especially at home.
Montenegro will look to defend deep and counter, but Croatia’s midfield control should dominate.
Prediction: Croatia 2–0 Montenegro
Betting Odds
Croatia to Win: 1.35
Draw: 4.50
Montenegro to Win: 8.00
Over 2.5 Goals: 1.75
FAQs
Q1: When is Croatia vs Montenegro World Cup Qualifier?
📅 7 September 2025, UEFA Qualifiers Matchday 6.
Q2: Where is the match being played?
📍 Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia.
Q3: Who is the favorite to win?
🇭🇷 Croatia are strong favorites based on quality and head-to-head record.
Q4: What is the Croatia vs Montenegro head-to-head record?
Croatia have 4 wins and 1 draw in 5 meetings.
Q5: Who are the key players?
Modrić, Gvardiol, Perišić for Croatia; Jovetić and Savić for Montenegro.
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