Does Ivan Perišić play today? where to watch Croatia x Islands in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers

The Croatian national team faces the Faroe Islands this Friday, November 14, 2025, in the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers. The match will take place at the HNK Rijeka Stadium, in Rijeka, Croatia, starting at 2:45 pm Brasília time, or 7:45 pm local time. The duel corresponds to the ninth round of Group L, and Croatia, with 16 points in the lead, needs a draw to guarantee a direct place in the World Cup.

Zlatko Dalić, Croatian commander, selected Ivan Perišić as a starter on the left wing, in his 149th appearance for the national team. The Faroe Islands, led by Eidun Klakstein and with 12 points in third place, are aiming for victory to compete in the playoffs.

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This is the second meeting of the campaign, following Croatia’s 1-0 first leg victory in September.

Lineup with Perišić in attack

Perišić’s confirmation came after training sessions, compensating for absences in the offensive sector. Dalić valued the player’s versatility, who had four assists in the Qualifiers.

• Absences: Mateo Kovačić (injury at Manchester City) and Ante Budimir (muscle discomfort).
• Returns: Stanišić and Vušković reinforce the line of three defenders.
• Highlight: Kramarić, with six goals, leads the attack alongside Ivanović.

The positioning exploits precise crosses from Perišić into the center of the area.

Croatia current performance

Croatia has six games without defeat in the Qualifiers, including five wins and one draw. In October, they defeated Gibraltar 3-0, with goals from Lovro Majer, Petar Musa and Marko Livaja.

In Rijeka, the team recorded ten matches undefeated, with successes against France and Poland. The defense conceded just one goal in eight games, sustaining an average of 2.5 goals per game.

The 0-0 draw with the Czech Republic demonstrated positional dominance, although Dalić demands more shots. The 4-0 defeat of Montenegro demonstrated tactical cohesion.

Perišić contributed with two assists in the last three duels, increasing offensive creativity.

Faroe Islands Campaign

The Faroe Islands achieved four victories in seven games, surpassing historic marks in the Qualifiers. The 2-1 over the Czech Republic, in October, had a goal from Martin Agnarsson in stoppage time.

Away from home, the team beat Gibraltar 1-0 in September, interrupting a sequence of setbacks. The defense, led by Viljormur Davidsen, restricted goals in five recent matches.

Klakstein prioritizes quick transitions, with Árni Frederiksberg in the frame. Joan Simun Edmundsson, with two goals, serves as a front reference.

The average of 1.4 goals per game in the last duels reflects collective maturity.

Formation of the Faroe Islands

The 3-4-2-1 formation remains, with Mattias Lamhauge in goal and Odmar Færoe, Gunnar Vatnhamar and Andrias Edmundsson in defense. René Joensen and Jakup Andreasen anchor the midfield, with Hanus Sørensen on the flanks.

Meinhard Olsen completes the attacking trio alongside Frederiksberg. Without injuries, Klakstein maintains the basis of the 4-0 victory against Montenegro.

Patrik Johannesen, who scored against Gibraltar, could come on in the second half. The strategy emphasizes closing spaces, neutralizing Perišić.

Previous clashes

The only official match took place in September 2025, with a 1-0 Croatian victory in the Faroe Islands. Kramarić scored in the 62nd minute with a header.

The second half was balanced, with local pressure blocked by the Croatian rearguard. Dalić attributed the achievement to tactical patience.

Without previous friendlies, Croatia holds 68% possession in history, reinforcing technical superiority.

Where to watch live

ESPN shows the game in Brazil from 2:30 pm, with narration in Portuguese and prior analysis. The Disney+ streams to subscribers, including replays and highlights.

Globoplay offers pay-per-view through associated operators. Tickets at the 10,000-seat HNK Rijeka Stadium have sold out, with prices ranging from 20 to 100 euros.

The program includes post-match debates on the channels.

Conditions and expectations

Analysts position Croatia as favorites, with odds of 1.15 for a local victory. Projected score is 2-0, highlighting the defensive solidity and Perišić.

The Faroe Islands rely on counterattacks, but the Croatian baggage must impose pace. A draw guarantees classification for the hosts.

Rijeka registers 8°C with clouds, without precipitation, conducive to fluid play.

Recent results for each selection

Croatia displays regularity:

• 3-0 Gibraltar (October 2025)
• 0-0 Czech Republic (October 2025)
• 4-0 Montenegro (September 2025)
• 1-0 Faroe Islands (September 2025)
• 5-1 Czech Republic (June 2025)

Faroe Islands progresses:

• 2-1 Czech Republic (October 2025)
• 4-0 Montenegro (October 2025)
• 1-0 Gibraltar (September 2025)
• 0-1 Croatia (September 2025)
• 3-1 Gibraltar (June 2025)

These data underline Croatian stability and Faroese improvement.