Prediction: Montenegro vs Croatia

Verdict: Total away goals over 1.5

Best odds: 11/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Montenegro host Croatia at the Podgorica City Stadium on Monday evening in their final Group L clash of the UEFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

The home side will aim to finish a challenging campaign on a positive note, while the visitors—already assured of qualification—look to cap off their dominant run in style.

Montenegro

Montenegro’s qualifying journey has been marked by inconsistency and defensive shortcomings, leaving them fourth in the standings.

They have collected nine points from three wins and four defeats, but a worrying goal difference of -8—six scored and 14 conceded—underscores the defensive issues that have repeatedly cost them.

Results in Podgorica have provided some encouragement, with two victories from three home qualifiers.

The team approach this fixture buoyed by a 2-1 comeback win away to Gibraltar, a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing campaign.

However, recent form remains patchy, with two wins and three losses in their last five matches across all competitions.

In World Cup qualifying specifically, Mirko Vučinić’s men have managed just one win in their last five outings, with four defeats effectively ending their playoff hopes.

Team News

Risto Radunović lasted only 46 minutes in the previous match before being replaced by Marko Perović, who may now start at left-back.

In midfield, Andrija Bulatović and Vasilije Adžić—who scored against Gibraltar—are expected to keep their places.

Up front, Nikola Krstović and Milutin Osmajić should continue as the strike duo.

Defensively, Nikola Šipčić and Marko Tući are likely to feature again, though Tući enters this game on a yellow-card warning.

Croatia

Croatia have been the standout team in the group, remaining unbeaten with six wins and one draw from seven matches.

Their 19-point tally secured qualification as the 30th nation to book a place at the 2026 finals—marking their seventh World Cup appearance.

Zlatko Dalić’s side, third at Qatar 2022 and runners-up in 2018, have once again showcased consistency and pedigree on the global stage.

A recent 3-1 victory over the Faroe Islands highlighted their efficiency and tactical discipline, hallmarks of this campaign.

Croatia boast a superb goal difference of +21, having scored 23 goals and conceded only two—the best in the group—reflecting both defensive strength and attacking prowess.

Their away record is also impressive, with two wins and a draw from three qualifiers on the road.

Dalić’s men enter this fixture in excellent form, with four wins and one draw in their last five matches overall.

The reverse meeting between these sides ended in a commanding 4-0 win for Croatia, underlining the gulf in quality and their superiority in organization, creativity, and finishing.

Team News

With qualification already secured, Dalić may stick with the same XI that beat the Faroe Islands, though some rotation is possible.

Mateo Kovačić has missed the entire qualifying campaign due to injury and recent surgery.

Luka Modrić, now 40, remains the heartbeat of the team and delivered another assured display in their last outing.

Head-to-Head: Little to tell

The match Croatia won 4-0 against Montenegro within these qualifications back in September was the first-ever competitive clash between these sides.

Conclusion

This final matchday highlights contrasting fortunes: Croatia sit top of Group L with 19 points and a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, while Montenegro languish in fourth with no chance of progression.

Home advantage may help Montenegro stay competitive early on, but Croatia’s quality and control should ultimately prevail, making an away win the most likely outcome.

Verdict: Total away goals over 1.5

Best odds: 11/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet