Croatia vs Czech Republic prediction 09.06.2025 | World Cup qualification

• Competition: World Cup qualifications
• Date: Monday, 9th June 2025
• Kickoff: 19:45 UK / 20:45 CEST
• Venue: Opus Arena (Osijek)

Croatia have firmly established itself as one of Europe's elite national teams in recent years. Under Zlatko Dalic, they finished as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and claimed third place in 2022. Due to their involvement in the UEFA Nations League, Croatia began their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign later than most. Their opening match came on Friday, when they cruised to a dominant 7-0 win over Gibraltar. Given that Gibraltar are among the weakest teams in Europe, the lopsided result came as no surprise, but it still served as a confident start to the campaign for Dalic's experienced squad.

The Czech Republic haven't appeared at a World Cup since 2006, but they are determined to end that long absence in the current qualification campaign. The Czech Republic played three qualification games and won all three, giving them a lot of hope for the rest of the competition. On Friday, Ivan Hasek's team won 2-0 at home against Montenegro. The Czech Republic finished that match with an xG of 1.42, while the guests had only 0.43, so it is no wonder that the home side's victory was well deserved. 

Croatia vs Czech Republic pick: Under 2.5 goals

Croatia allowed only three goals in the last three matches. On the other hand, the Czech Republic allowed only two goals in the previous five games. We should expect a close and low-scoring game on Monday night, Osijek.