How to watch Croatia vs Spain in the USA

Croatia vs Spain will be available in the United States through Fubo and ViX, with Fubo carrying the English-language coverage and ViX offering the Spanish-language stream.

Can I watch Croatia vs Spain for free?

Fans in the USA can watch Croatia vs Spain for free with Fubo’s 5-day free trial, provided they are eligible for the trial and sign up before the match.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Croatia and Spain meet at Stadion Poljud in Split for Matchday 4 of UEFA Nations League Group A3, with the two teams arriving at very different points in the group. Spain leads the standings with nine points from three matches, while England has six, Croatia has three and Czechia has zero. Spain has won all three of its games, beating England 3-2, Croatia 4-1 and Czechia 3-1.

The situation is much more urgent for Croatia. The hosts suffered a 7-0 defeat to England on October 3, the heaviest loss in the history of the Croatian men’s national team. That result followed their 4-1 defeat against Spain in Seville on September 29, meaning Croatia have conceded 11 goals across their last two Nations League games. They now return home needing a major reaction against the group leaders.

Spain, meanwhile, can take a major step toward the quarterfinals. A draw is enough for Spain to secure its place in the Nations League quarterfinals, according to the latest Spanish team information, while a victory would keep its perfect record intact and put even more distance between La Roja and the chasing pack. They have also won their last 10 matches and enter the game on a 41-match unbeaten run.

What time is the Croatia vs Spain match?

The Croatia vs Spain match kicks off today, Tuesday, October 6, at 2:45 PM ET. The game will be played at Stadion Poljud in Split, Croatia, with the local kickoff scheduled for 8:45 PM.

• Eastern Time: 2:45 PM
• Central Time: 1:45 PM
• Mountain Time: 12:45 PM
• Pacific Time: 11:45 AM

How to watch Croatia vs England in the USA

Croatia vs England will be available to viewers in the United States through Fubo and ViX.

Can I watch Croatia vs England for free?

Fubo currently offers a 5-day free trial on eligible U.S. plans, providing a legitimate way for eligible new subscribers to watch the match during the trial period.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Croatia vs England is Matchday 3 of League A, Group 3 in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, with both teams competing alongside Spain and Czechia for a place in the quarterfinals.

The fixture comes during an unusually busy opening international window: Croatia face Czechia on September 26 and Spain on September 29 before hosting England, while the Three Lions play Spain and Czechia before traveling to Rijeka. UEFA’s schedule then has both teams playing again on October 6.

The October 3 meeting is also part of a demanding sequence for England under Thomas Tuchel, who is beginning his first Nations League campaign with the Three Lions. England‘s official schedule confirms that the trip to Croatia is their third match in the space of eight days, followed by a home meeting with Czechia on October 6. Tuchel has said the objective is to reach the quarterfinals and then compete for a place in the Final Four.

For Croatia, the match is the first of two meetings with England in the group phase. The return fixture is scheduled for November 12 at Wembley, meaning the result in Rijeka could become an important part of the final Group A3 picture when the teams meet again later in the campaign.

What time is the Croatia vs England match?

The match kicks off on Saturday, October 3, at 12:00 PM ET. England Football confirms a 5:00 PM BST kickoff, while UEFA lists the match for 6:00 PM CET.

• Eastern Time: 12:00 PM
• Central Time: 11:00 AM
• Mountain Time: 10:00 AM
• Pacific Time: 9:00 AM

How to watch Spain vs Croatia in the USA

Spain vs Croatia will be available on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) in the United States, with streaming available through Fubo, ViX and FOX One.

Can I watch Spain vs Croatia for free?

Yes, eligible new Fubo users can watch Spain vs Croatia through a 5-day free trial. The platform’s specific match page currently displays the game on FS1 with a “Try for free – cancel anytime” option.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Spain vs Croatia is Matchday 2 of UEFA Nations League League A, Group A3, with the meeting coming just three days after both teams open the competition. Spain travel to Wembley to face England on September 26, while Croatia visit Czechia on the same day. Three days later, Spain host Croatia in Seville before the two sides meet again in Split on October 6.

The matchup is particularly significant for Spain because it is the reigning 2026 FIFA World Cup champion’s first home game since winning the title. Luis de la Fuente‘s squad includes the core of the World Cup-winning team, with players such as Rodri, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal. Spain have also added Dean Huijsen and Fermin Lopez back into the squad, while Josep Martinez and Roberto Fernandez received their first senior call-ups.

Croatia enter the Nations League with an experienced squad led by Luka Modric, alongside Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Andrej Kramaric and Ivan Perisic. The Croatian Football Federation’s squad also includes young players such as Luka Vuskovic, Martin Baturina and Petar Sucic, giving Slaven Bilic a mixture of established international experience and younger options.

What time is the Spain vs Croatia match?

Spain vs Croatia kicks off at 2:45 PM ET on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The Royal Spanish Football Federation lists an 8:45 PM local kickoff at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in Seville.

• Eastern Time: 2:45 PM
• Central Time: 1:45 PM
• Mountain Time: 12:45 PM
• Pacific Time: 11:45 AM

How to watch Czech Republic vs Croatia in the USA

The Czech Republic vs Croatia Nations League match is available to viewers in the United States through Fubo, with the official listing showing the game on Fubo Sports Network. It can also be streamed on Tubi and ViX.

Can I watch Czech Republic vs Croatia for free?

Yes! Fubo is currently offering a 5-day free trial, and its official Czechia vs Croatia match page specifically displays a “Try for free” option.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Czechia and Croatia open their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaigns in League A, Group A3 on September 26 at Fortuna Arena in Prague. The group also features England and Spain, making this one of the competition’s most demanding sections.

The top two teams in each League A group advance to the quarterfinals, so starting the campaign with points could prove important before the four teams face each other again in November.

The matchup also begins a new coaching cycle for both nations. Santi Denia takes charge of Czechia for his first competitive match, while Slaven Bilic returns as Croatia’s head coach, having previously led the national team from 2006 to 2012.

UEFA notes that Czechia earned promotion to League A by winning their League B group in the previous edition, while Croatia reached the quarterfinals of the 2024/25 Nations League before losing to France.

Czech Republic vs Croatia: Predicted Lineups

Czech Republic (3-4-2-1): Lukas Hornicek; Ladislav Krejci, Robin Hranac, Stepan Chaloupek; Ondrej Lingr, Lukas Cerv, Michal Sadilek, Adam Karabec; Pavel Sulc, Martin Vitik; Adam Hlozek.

Croatia (4-2-3-1): Dominik Livakovic; Luka Vuskovic, Josko Gvardiol, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic; Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric; Martin Baturina, Petar Sucic, Nikola Vlasic; Franjo Ivanovic.

What time is the Czech Republic vs Croatia match?

The Czech Republic vs Croatia match kicks off on Saturday, September 26, at 2:45 PM ET. Here are all the major U.S. time zones:

• Eastern Time: 2:45 PM
• Central Time: 1:45 PM
• Mountain Time: 12:45 PM
• Pacific Time: 11:45 AM

Following the match, where Ronaldo was substituted, he demonstrated his profound respect for the Croatian captain, whose retirement from international duty remains in doubt. “I played many years with Modric, it’s great to see him still playing at top level,” Ronaldo told FOX Sports. “I told him: congrats Luka, good luck for the future of your career.”

It was a thrilling victory that stayed emotional until the final whistle. Even at the close of the match, Ronaldo was seen moved to tears while holding a Diogo Jota shirt, later explaining as to why he was so visibly emotional.

What’s next for Portugal

Portugal advance to the Round of 16, where they will face Spain, a highly formidable rival. The two sides previously clashed in the UEFA Nations League final, where the Portuguese emerged as champions, and this upcoming match is scheduled for July 6 at Dallas Stadium, where the Spaniards will be looking for revenge.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains completely focused ahead of the encounter, even though it could potentially be his final World Cup appearance, but he responded that he is not thinking about that right now.

“I don’t make reckless decisions,” Ronaldo told reporters postgame. “I will decide after the tournament, not now.” And with good reason. His sister made some comments regarding this before the match, and speculations have been swirling ever since.

Cristiano Ronaldo makes history

With the goal he scored today, Cristiano Ronaldo broke a record that not even Lionel Messi can achieve in this edition of the tournament. But beyond that, he snapped a drought that had persisted since his World Cup debut, finally netting his first-ever goal in the knockout stages.

Moreover, as Portugal barely hung on to advance to the Round of 16, and with the one-year anniversary of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva’s tragic passing approaching, Ronaldo broke down in tears as he paid tribute to the late Portuguese star, who would’ve been with the team at soccer’s biggest tournament.

After the World Cup‘s Round of 32 game came to an end and Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia was confirmed, the Lusos celebrated with their fans at Toronto Stadium. It was quite a miraculous victory. So many things had gone against Portugal, yet they caught so many lucky breaks that it almost seemed like there was something more at work.

Portugal honor Diogo Jota

Perhaps, some would say, it was Jota’s doing, as he keeps an eye on his countrymen. For those looking for coincidences or symbols, the final score was 2-1 to Portugal, and Jota just happened to wear No. 21 for his national team.

While it was Cristiano who donned Jota’s shirt as a tribute, the entire team and staff posed for a picture in which Ronaldo held Jota’s No. 21 shirt at the center. On July 3, it will be one year since Jota and Silva’s tragic passing in Spain. Everybody who knew them is still clearly trying to process it all.

If it’s any consolation, Ronaldo and Portugal managed to earn a victory so close to such a meaningful date. After the game, Ronaldo made sure to dedicate the win to Jota.

Liverpool unveil new memorial in tribute to Jota

With such an emotional date coming up in the calendar, Ronaldo and Portugal’s national team weren’t the only ones moved to tribute the late brothers. Liverpool, Jota’s club, unveiled a permanent memorial in Anfield, dedicated to Jota and Silva.

As for Portugal, they will continue to honor Jota throughout the 2026 World Cup. Determined to make history and win their first world championship, the Lusos may be drawing strength from one of their best players, who won’t be on the pitch but is always watching from above. Against Croatia, his presence was definitely felt.

Deep into added time, Mario Pašalić kept his composure inside the Portuguese penalty area to assist Joško Gvardiol, who had started the match on the bench. The defender slotted the ball home to seemingly level the score at 2-2, sparking wild celebrations on the pitch.

Everything appeared set for an additional 30 minutes of extra time. However, following a tense, lengthy VAR review, the officials determined that Pašalić was caught in an offside position after Igor Matanović slighlty touched the ball with his head, invalidating Gvardiol’s equalizer and officially securing the hard-fought 2-1 victory for Portugal.

Croatia failed to maintain the advantage

Following a scoreless first half, Croatia heap immense pressure on the Portuguese defense. Early in the second half, Ivan Perišić broke the deadlock to put the Vatreni ahead, a goal that forced Portugal to push forward with far greater attacking urgency.

Portugal’s equalizer eventually arrived when Cristiano Ronaldo finally found the back of the net in a World Cup knockout match. With momentum firmly on their side as the second half drew to a close, Gonçalo Ramos struck to make it 2-1 and complete the dramatic turnaround.

Despite a furious late push from Croatia—which so nearly yielded a legal equalizer—their efforts ultimately fell short. While the Vatreni pack their bags to return home, Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo march on to face Spain in a blockbuster Round of 16 showdown.

With this result, Croatia are officially eliminated from the 2026 World Cup with no remaining chances of keeping their tournament campaign alive, saying goodbye to their greatest historical icon, Luka Modric. The goal scored by Ivan Perisic in the 53rd minute was ultimately not enough to secure the victory.

Portugal remain in the fight to forge a path to the final, but they will have a difficult opponent ahead. In the Round of 16, Portugal will face Spain, with the matchup scheduled for July 6.

Croatia on the verge of an epic finish

The end of the match was filled with controversy. While Portugal maintained a 2-1 lead, with Cristiano Ronaldo already substituted, the referee decided to add 10 minutes of stoppage time. Not only that, but the official allowed play to run for three additional minutes, during which Croatia equalized the match following a goal by Josko Gvardiol. However, the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.

This would have triggered chaos on the pitch, but the result ultimately went to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, who were also seen emotional after the match with a Diogo Jota shirt.

Ronaldo stepped up at the most crucial moment

The Portuguese national team suffered more than expected. When Ivan Perisic put Croatia ahead in the 54th minute, the team looked lost, lacking reaction and showing few soccer answers to change history.

But at the most delicate moment, Cristiano Ronaldo appeared. He took on the responsibility and scored the 1-1 equalizer from the penalty spot in the 65th minute.

It was a key goal, not only to keep Portugal alive but also to break one of the most notable pending milestones of his career: his first goal in a World Cup knockout stage. Additionally, he secured a record that Lionel Messi cannot achieve in this World Cup.

But, as he mentioned prior to the World Cup, it marks the retirement of Luka Modri from Croatia, who cemented his status as an all-time great anchoring Real Madrid’s midfield and leading Croatia to the absolute pinnacle of global soccer.

Following a legendary, trophy-laden career at Real Madrid and the emotional end of an era with AC Milan last season, Modric has officially decided to hang up his boots. With his 41st birthday approaching in September and the physical demands of the game taking their toll, the iconic playmaker has chosen to call it a career.

Now, with Croatia eliminated from the World Cup and his playing days behind him, Modric will transition to life off the pitch. While his immediate focus shifts away from the field, a future in the game looms large, as speculation builds that the midfield maestro could soon transition into coaching or join the Croatian national team’s technical staff.

Modric’s career highlights and legacy

Modric permanently cemented his legacy during a legendary tenure with Real Madrid, defying expectations to transform from a heavily scrutinized £30 million signing out of Tottenham into the most decorated player in the club’s storied history.

Anchoring an iconic midfield trio alongside Casemiro and Toni Kroos, the Croatian maestro orchestrated the pitch to claim 28 major trophies with Los Blancos, highlighted by an incredible six UEFA Champions League titles.

His defining club moment arrived during the 2014 La Decima final, where his precise, 93rd-minute corner assist to Sergio Ramos rescued the match and ignited a modern era of European dominance. Modric’s masterful vision and signature trivela—the technical art of passing and shooting with the outside of the boot—became his calling card, defining a generation of elite midfield play.

Here is a look at his historic resume:

• 2018 Ballon d’Or winner: Broke the historic, decade-long stranglehold of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to claim football’s ultimate individual honor.
• The FIFA Best Men’s Player & UEFA Player of the Year (2018) * IFFHS World’s Best Playmaker (2018)
• 6x UEFA Champions League champion: Tied for the most European Cup titles in football history.
• 28 major trophies: Stands alone as the most decorated player to ever wear the iconic Real Madrid kit.

Following the definitive outcome, Portugal are locked into a highly anticipated, border-rivalry clash against Spain in the next round, with the date and venue officially confirmed. Meanwhile, Modric heads home, finally getting a chance to step away from the pitch for some much-needed vacation time.

The decision was entirely tactical, as Ronaldo showed no signs of discomfort or any physical setback. Because Ronaldo had already played 80 minutes and was fatigued—though not to the point of asking to be replaced—Martinez opted to shuffle the pieces in Portugal‘s lineup. In came Ruben Neves, a midfielder, to balance out the Lusos’ lineup, as they had been struggling to contain Croatia’s surges.

In fact, just before Ronaldo was subbed off, Croatia had a goal disallowed due to a marginal offside. Still, taking Ronaldo off the field when the game felt headed for extra time and a penalty shootout in the 2026 World Cup was a decision Martinez may have never lived down.

Ronaldo couldn’t believe the substitution

Often, images are worth even more than a thousand words. With Ronaldo, who never shies away from showing his emotions, that tends to be the case. Thus, as the fourth official raised the digital board indicating Portugal’s No. 7 was coming off, Ronaldo’s face was a poem—though not exactly one Martinez may have wanted to read. He couldn’t believe the decision.

Ronaldo had just scored from the spot to tie the game, and with the match seemingly headed for extra time—and potentially a penalty shootout—he was subbed off. However, it all paid off in the end. Goncalo Ramos, who took over as Portugal’s main striker after Ronaldo was substituted, scored with a header to win it 2-1 for the Lusos over Croatia.

Ronaldo’s game vs. Croatia

After battling rumors and drama throughout the tournament, Ronaldo didn’t have his best game against Croatia, but he still stepped up when his team needed him. He scored from the penalty spot to tie the game and would’ve scored a beautiful goal earlier if it hadn’t been for a VAR-reviewed offside. Croatia also had a goal disallowed for offside though, and it came in a bigger moment of the game.

With his sister saying the 2026 World Cup would be Ronaldo’s last dance, Cristiano brushed everything aside and delivered a performance to be proud of. Even if Portugal had been eliminated, he had left his mark. Fortunately, the road continues for Portugal, who are headed to the Round of 16. Ronaldo then celebrated with Diogo Jota’s shirt, as the striker was seen in tears while remembering his late friend.

Following a dangerous Portuguese corner kick, defender Renato Veiga was dragged down in the box while fighting for position, prompting a crucial VAR intervention. After a quick video review at the monitor, the referee pointed to the spot, awarding Portugal a massive penalty kick.

With the resulting conversion, Cristiano Ronaldo shattered a historic World Cup record that longtime rival Lionel Messi can no longer surpass in 2026. The milestone strike keeps Portugal‘s tournament aspirations firmly alive, with their legendary captain leading the charge.

Cristiano kept Portugal alive

After falling behind 1-0 to a resilient Croatia squad, this crucial equalizer completely breathed new life into Portugal for the remainder of the match. While the final outcome was already decided, Cristiano tried to continue to hunt for a decisive second goal to carry his country over the finish line, but he was just subbed off.

Operating without Cristiano, Portugal found the alternative spark in the final third to secure passage into the next round. Gonzalo Ramos’ header was enough for the Portuguese side to win the game against Croatia.

What’s next for Portugal?

Having punched their ticket to the Round of 16, Portugal are on a collision course with Spain for a blockbuster knockout clash with the date and venue officially locked in. All eyes now turn to the availability of Cristiano, whose status dominates the headlines after he was subbed off during the second half of their previous match.

The stage is officially set for an absolute classic on soccer’s grandest stage. Coming off a thrilling victory that simultaneously sealed the international fate of Luka Modric and Croatia, the Portuguese squad looks to maintain its furious momentum and continue its march toward a historic World Cup title.