Croatia and France take the field this Thursday, March 20, to kick off the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals in a clash that brings together two European football powerhouses. The first leg, scheduled for 4:45 PM (Brasília time), will be held at the Poljud Stadium in Split, Croatia, promising to reignite the historic rivalry sparked by the 2018 World Cup final. Led by Luka Modric and Kylian Mbappé respectively, both teams arrive with strong group stage performances and clear goals: securing a spot in the tournament’s semifinals. In Brazil, fans can catch the match live on SporTV, a subscription TV channel, and via streaming on Globoplay, with coverage starting minutes before kickoff, featuring analysis and interviews to build anticipation.
Croatia, the 2018 World Cup runners-up, finished second in Group 1 with eight points from six matches, showcasing resilience amid a generational transition. Under Zlatko Dalic’s guidance, the team leans on its veterans’ experience and the passionate home crowd to challenge the French. Meanwhile, France, the current Nations League champions, topped Group 2 with 13 points, boasting four wins, one draw, and one loss, and arrive boosted by Mbappé’s return after missing recent call-ups. This Thursday’s showdown is just the opening act, with the decisive second leg set for March 23 at the Stade de France in Paris.
The Poljud Stadium, with a capacity of around 34,000 spectators, sets the stage for this thrilling encounter. Built in 1979 and home to Hajduk Split, the venue is renowned for the electric atmosphere created by Croatian fans, especially in high-stakes matches like this one. For Brazilian football enthusiasts, the accessible timing and broadcast options make this a must-watch event, heightened by its status as a rematch of a recent classic that stirs emotions on both sides.
Lineups on the pitch: Modric and Mbappé lead the charge
Croatia is expected to field a lineup blending experience and youth. Dominik Livakovic will guard the goal, backed by a defensive line of Josip Sutalo, Duje Caleta-Car, and Josko Gvardiol. In midfield, Luka Modric, at 39, remains the orchestrator, joined by Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic, while Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, and Luka Baturina form the attacking trio. Defensive solidity and Modric’s ability to dictate the game’s tempo are Croatia’s key strengths against a formidable opponent.
On the French side, Didier Deschamps opts for Mike Maignan in goal, protected by Jules Koundé, Ibrahima Konaté, William Saliba, and Theo Hernández in defense. The midfield features the dynamism of Warren Zaire-Emery, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga, with Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, and Bradley Barcola leading the attack. Mbappé, with 31 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid this season, returns to the national team after Marcus Thuram’s injury opened the door for his starring role, posing a major threat to the Croatians.
Both teams face minor absences but nothing that disrupts their core strategies. Croatia will miss Eintracht Frankfurt’s Igor Matanovic due to injury, while France lacks Thuram up top. Norwegian referee Espen Eskås will officiate, supported by Germany’s Bastian Dankert on VAR, ensuring accuracy in a match set to be fiercely contested.
How to watch the game live in Brazil
Brazilian fans have two primary options to follow Croatia vs France live. SporTV, available on major cable providers, will broadcast the match starting at 4:45 PM, offering tactical insights and pre-game interviews. For those preferring streaming, Globoplay provides real-time access on mobile devices, tablets, or computers, requiring a subscription or a package including Globo channels.
Platforms like Sofascore enhance the experience with live stats, including possession, shots on goal, and individual player performances. Social media and sports websites will deliver constant updates, ensuring fans stay informed on goals and key moments in this electrifying showdown.
Historic rivalry: a legacy of memorable clashes
Croatia and France have met 10 times, with France holding the upper hand: six wins to Croatia’s one, plus three draws. Their most iconic encounter was on July 15, 2018, in the World Cup final in Moscow, where France triumphed 4-2 to claim the title. Since then, Nations League matchups have kept the rivalry alive, notably Croatia’s 1-0 win in 2022 and a 1-1 draw that same year. In the last five meetings, France won three, Croatia one, and one ended level, reflecting recent competitiveness.
The 2018 final remains etched in Croatian fans’ minds, making this game a symbolic chance for redemption, even in a different competition. For France, it’s an opportunity to reinforce their dominance and progress confidently. History points to tight, goal-filled games, with both teams scoring in four of their last five encounters, raising hopes for an action-packed scoreline.
Recent form: who’s in better shape?
Croatia’s group stage campaign was inconsistent but enough to secure qualification, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five outings. Victories came against Scotland (2-1) and Poland (1-0), draws against Portugal (1-1) and Poland (3-3), and a loss to Scotland (1-0). Zlatko Dalic’s squad reflects a transitioning team, still anchored by Modric as younger players step up.
France, in contrast, enters in top form, with four wins and a draw in their last five matches. They defeated Italy (3-1), Belgium (2-1 and 2-0), and Israel (4-1), alongside a goalless draw with Israel. Scoring 12 goals and conceding six in the group stage, the French display offensive firepower and defensive stability, now amplified by Mbappé’s return.
5 facts to fuel the excitement
The Croatia vs France matchup is packed with stats and stories that heighten anticipation. Check out these highlights:
- France has scored in eight of their 10 games against Croatia, averaging two goals per match.
- Luka Modric has faced France five times as a starter without a win against them.
- Kylian Mbappé has two goals in four games vs Croatia, both from the 2020 Nations League.
- The Poljud Stadium hosts its first Croatia vs France game, despite a history of big international fixtures.
- Both teams scored in four of their last five meetings, hinting at an open contest.
These figures suggest the outcome could hinge on individual brilliance or tactical execution, keeping fans on edge.
Quarterfinal schedule: what’s next in the tie
The Croatia vs France clash follows a set timeline for the Nations League quarterfinals. Here’s the rundown:
- March 20, 4:45 PM: Croatia vs France, Poljud Stadium, Split.
- March 23, 4:45 PM: France vs Croatia, Stade de France, Paris.
The winner advances to the June semifinals against the victor of Netherlands vs Spain. The result also shapes their 2026 World Cup qualifying paths: the winner joins Group L (Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan), while the loser drops to Group G (Czech Republic, Faroe Islands, Montenegro, Gibraltar).
Weather and conditions: Split set for a spectacle
Split’s weather on game day will be mild, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 16°C at kickoff. Partly cloudy skies and no rain forecast ensure a pristine pitch at Poljud Stadium. With humidity around 60% and light winds at 10 km/h, conditions won’t hinder play, favoring a fast, technical game. Croatia’s passionate fans are expected to pack the stands, taking advantage of the pleasant spring weather to push their team.
Fans and tickets: a sold-out showdown looms
Tickets for Croatia vs France have been on sale since early March, priced between 20 and 100 euros depending on the section. Demand is soaring, with expectations of a full house at Poljud Stadium, driven by the rivalry and the presence of stars like Modric and Mbappé. Online sales have snapped up most tickets, but physical outlets in Split still have some available, per the Croatian football federation. For those missing out, SporTV and Globoplay offer a front-row seat via broadcast.
