Prediction: Croatia vs Faroe Islands

Verdict: Total home goals over 2.5

Best odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

Stadion HNK Rijeka will host Croatia’s penultimate World Cup 2026 qualifier on Friday night as Zlatko Dalic’s side take on the Faroe Islands in Group L.

The stakes are clear: Croatia need just one point from their final two fixtures to secure top spot and automatic qualification for next summer’s tournament. The visitors, meanwhile, are clinging to slim playoff hopes and must avoid defeat to stay in contention.

Croatia

Croatia have been dominant throughout qualifying. Sitting first in Group L with 16 points from six matches, the Blazers have combined defensive resilience with attacking flair. They have conceded only once in the group stage—one of the best records across all European qualifiers—and kept five clean sheets in their last six games.

At the other end, Dalic’s men have scored 20 goals in six matches, surpassing their tally from the previous 13 competitive fixtures. Their recent 3-0 win over Gibraltar underlined their superiority, and they remain unbeaten in 10 home games, claiming wins against elite opposition such as France and Poland, and securing a draw against Portugal.

Team News

Dalic is expected to stick with a strong lineup to finish the job. Mario Pasalic, Andrej Kramaric and Toni Fruk should play in support to striker Franjo Ivanovic.

Luka Modric will marshal the midfield alongside Marcelo Brozovic with Mateo Kovacic ruled out, while Duje Caleta-Car and Josko Gvardiol are likely to form the central defensive pairing.

Ivan Perisic and Borna Sosa should provide width from wing-back roles, with Dominik Livakovic in goal.

Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands have exceeded expectations in Group L, sitting third with 12 points and still in the hunt for a playoff spot. Eydun Klakstein’s side have won four of their last five qualifiers, including a 4-0 demolition of Montenegro and a gritty 1-0 away victory over Gibraltar.

They have scored 10 goals in the campaign, seven of which came in their last three outings, signaling improved attacking efficiency. However, their only previous meeting with Croatia ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat in September—a result that flattered the Faroese given Croatia’s dominance.

Team News

Klakstein is expected to retain the core of the side that beat Gibraltar and Montenegro.

Odmar Faero, Gunnar Vatnhamar and Andrias Edmundsson should be selected as the back three.

In midfield, Meinhard Olsen and Geza David Turi will aim to disrupt Croatia’s rhythm, while Joan Simun Edmundsson starts in attack.

Head-to-Head Record

Croatia and the Faroe Islands have met only once before—a 1-0 win for Croatia in Torshavn earlier this campaign. Historically, Croatia have dominated smaller European nations, and their home record suggests another uphill battle for the visitors.

Conclusion

Friday’s clash is a classic case of contrasting ambitions: Croatia seeking to rubber-stamp qualification, and the Faroe Islands fighting to keep their dream alive.

Dalic’s men boast superior quality, depth, and experience, making them overwhelming favorites. While the visitors’ recent form offers hope, Croatia’s defensive solidity and attacking firepower should secure a comfortable win—possibly by two or more goals.

Verdict: Total home goals over 2.5

Best odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: 888sport