Montenegro vs Croatia prediction 17.11.2025 | World Cup 2026 qualifiers

Montenegro face their final fixture in Group I after a narrow 2:1 road win at Gibraltar on Friday. Having fallen behind in the first-half, Mirko Vučinić´s side showed their powers of recovery to avoid an embarrassing defeat at Europa Sports Park.

The Montenegrin´s have endured a disappointing campaign. After winning their first two fixtures, the hosts slipped to four consecutive defeats, including a 4:0 defeat against Croatia, as they saw their hopes of a first-ever World Cup appearance quickly evaporate. 

Typically involved in high-scoring matches, a minimum of three goals were scored in all but one of Montenegro's last six games. 

Head coach Vučinić could make one or two changes to his side after a less than impressive performance in Gibraltar. Marko Perović and Stefan Lončar are among those likely to earn a recall to the first XI. 

Croatia make the short trip to Montenegro after sealing World Cup qualification with a 3:1 comeback victory against the Faroe Islands on Friday. Despite falling behind, the Croats would run out comfortable winners with Nikola Vlašić and Josko Gvardiol among the goals at Stadion HNK Rijeka Dean Šćulac. 

Zlatko Dalić´s men have enjoyed a superb qualification campaign, picking up six wins and one draw from seven games completed. Croatia sit top of the section, six points clear of Czechia. 

Considering their strong form of the past year, the Blazers should have enough quality and experience to bring their successful campaign to a winning conclusion. Croatia  won six of their last seven games, including a 4:0 win against Montenegro in September.

Head coach Dalic could freshen up his selection on Monday. Josip Šutalo, Nikola Vlašić and Toni Fruk are likely contenders to earn call ups to the starting lineup.