Luka Modrić’s Croatia secures World Cup 2026 spot; Poland and Netherlands draw
The Croatian national team has secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.
In a decisive Group L match, the side led by manager Zlatko Dalić clinched a 3-1 victory against the Faroe Islands on home ground at the stadium in Rijeka.
The game had a surprising start, as the islanders took an early lead in the 16th minute with a goal from Geza David Turi. The "Blazers" quickly responded: Joško Gvardiol leveled the score in the 23rd minute. In the second half, the Croats confirmed their dominance, reversing the score with two rapid goals from Petar Musa and Nikola Vlasic, thus sealing their Croatia World Cup 2026 Qualification.
This marks Croatia's seventh appearance at the World Cup finals. Team captain and national icon, Luka Modrić, may feature in his fifth final tournament. The Czech Republic secured the crucial play-off spot from Group L results.
Elsewhere, in Group G, Poland and the Netherlands settled for a 1-1 draw at the National Stadium in Warsaw. Jakub Kaminski put the Poles ahead, but the "Oranje" immediately leveled after the break via Memphis Depay. The Netherlands only need a win against Lithuania in their final fixture, a practical formality, to secure automatic progression. The Dutch side holds a commanding 3-point lead and a superior goal difference over Poland in the standings.
The race in Group A remains close, with Germany and Slovakia maintaining a neck-and-neck pace ahead of their pivotal direct confrontation on Monday. Germany defeated Luxembourg 2-0 away, courtesy of a second-half brace from Nick Woltemade. In a dramatic finish, Slovakia secured an in extremis 1-0 home win against Northern Ireland, with Tomáš Bobček scoring a winner in the 90+1 minute. The Germany vs. Slovakia match is scheduled for November 17 in Leipzig.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
