czechia vs croatia: XIs named for Nations League opener
Czechia and Croatia have named their lineups for the UEFA Nations League opener in Prague, with kickoff set for 19:45. The match at Fortuna Arena comes as Czechia looks to bounce back from a disappointing World Cup summer and Croatia brings an evolving squad into Group A.
PRAGUE — czechia vs croatia takes center stage in the UEFA Nations League opener in Prague, with both teams naming their starting XIs before kickoff at 19:45. The match at Fortuna Arena lands at a useful moment for both sides: Czechia is trying to reset after a disappointing World Cup summer, while Croatia arrives with an evolving squad in a difficult Group A.
The lineups were confirmed ahead of the match, and the shape of both teams tells its own story. Czechia has gone with L. Horníček in goal, a back line of V. Coufal, Š. Chaloupek, H. Hranác and M. Sláma, while M. Sadílek and L. Červ anchor the midfield behind L. Ambros, P. Šulc and A. Karabec. Croatia has chosen D. Livaković in goal, with J. Stanišić, L. Vušković, J. Gvardiol and I. Perišić in defense, then L. Modrić and M. Kovačić in midfield behind L. Sučić, P. Sučić and M. Ivanović.
It is a clean, direct starting point. No guesswork now.
czechia vs croatia starts with a fresh test in Prague
Czechia entered the tournament after losses to Korea Republic and Mexico and a 1-1 draw against South Africa, according to the match context provided with the lineup update. That run gives the home side a clear edge to fix: a Nations League opener on home soil, in front of a crowd expecting more control and less drift.
Croatia, meanwhile, comes in with a squad in transition. The team was described as a side in flux as the older core makes way for the next wave, but it also arrived with a solid World Cup showing before being knocked out by Portugal in the Round of 32. That mix matters here. Croatia still carries the names and experience that make it hard to play against, yet the lineup also shows how much emphasis the staff is placing on the next layer of talent.
For viewers, the timing is straightforward: kickoff is at 19:45. The setup around the match has already driven attention because the Nations League often sets the tone for the rest of the international break, and a strong start can change how a group feels almost immediately. One bad night can do the opposite.
Czechia’s selection includes several players who will have to handle Croatia’s midfield rhythm early. Modrić and Kovačić give Croatia a familiar central core, and that alone can tilt possession if Czechia leaves too much space between the lines. On the other side, Czechia will lean on Coufal’s experience and the attacking movement of Karabec, Sulc and Ambros to turn home pressure into chances.
The match also carries a simple competitive question. Can the home support at Fortuna Arena push Czechia through a game that looks finely balanced on paper, or does Croatia’s mix of experience and new legs give it enough to spoil the opening night in Prague? The answer starts with the lineups that are now locked in, and with a kickoff that is only a few minutes away at 19:45.
