Croatia vs Slovenia Preview, Prediction & Lineups Pre-World Cup Friendly

Croatia host Slovenia in a Pre-World Cup Friendly on Sunday, June 7, 2026, with kickoff set for 8:45 PM CEST / 2:45 PM ET / 6:45 PM UTC / 7:45 PM BST / 11:45 PM PKT at Stadion Andelko Herjavec in Varazdin. Zlatko Dalic’s side use the match as their last home tune-up before the World Cup 2026, where they sit in Group L with England, Panama, and Ghana.

Slovenia cross the border without a World Cup place after a difficult qualifying run, but Bostjan Cesar’s group still brings Jan Oblak, Jaka Bijol, and a compact midfield to Varazdin. The Croatia vs Slovenia prediction points toward a tight game shaped by Croatian control and Slovenian counter-attacks.

Croatia vs Slovenia Prediction

Croatia have the stronger squad, the home setting, and more tournament-ready midfield control. Slovenia have enough defensive quality to keep the match close, yet Sesko’s absence lowers their counter-attacking ceiling.

A narrow Croatia win is the best pick. Dalic’s side should create the better chances through Perisic, Modric, and the second-line runners, even if the striker debate keeps the scoreline modest.

Our Prediction: Croatia 1-0 Slovenia

Match Details

Croatia vs Slovenia Head to Head Record

Croatia and Slovenia have met three times since 2021. Slovenia won 1-0 at home in World Cup qualifying, Croatia replied with a 3-0 home win, and the rivals drew 1-1 in a 2022 friendly.

That record makes the border rivalry balanced on paper. Croatia have scored four goals across those three meetings, while Slovenia have two, so the H2H leans slightly toward the hosts without becoming one-sided.

Croatia vs Slovenia H2H Record

Croatia

1Verified Wins4 goals

Total Meetings3

Draws1

Last MeetingCroatia 1-1 Slovenia, 2022

Biggest WinCroatia 3-0 Slovenia, 2021

World Cup Meetings2

Slovenia

1Verified Wins2 goals

2021: Slovenia 1-0 Croatia2021: Croatia 3-0 Slovenia2022: Croatia 1-1 Slovenia

Croatia Form Guide – Last 5 Matches

Croatia arrive after a 2-0 defeat to Belgium in Rijeka, which followed a March window split between a win over Colombia and a loss to Brazil. Dalic’s team qualified strongly for the World Cup, so the friendly carries more tactical value than table pressure.

The main question is finishing. Croatia can build through Modric, Kovacic, and Perisic, but their striker role still feels open because Budimir, Kramaric, Musa, and Matanovic are all competing for minutes.

Slovenia Form Guide – Last 5 Matches

Slovenia drew 1-1 with Cyprus after March friendlies brought a 1-0 loss to Hungary and a 3-2 win over Montenegro. Cesar still needs attacking clarity because Slovenia failed to win a World Cup qualifier and finished third in Group B.

Benjamin Sesko remains unavailable with a shin issue, so Vipotnik and Sporar carry the striker discussion. Slovenia can still lean on Oblak, Bijol, Lovric, Gnezda Cerin, and Janza to keep the match organised.

Croatia vs Slovenia Predicted Lineups

Croatia are projected in a 3-4-2-1 with Gvardiol, Sutalo, and Vuskovic behind a midfield led by Modric and Kovacic. Budimir is the likeliest central striker, with Vlasic and Baturina supporting between the lines.

Slovenia are projected in a 3-5-2 built around Oblak, Bijol, Drkusic, and Brekalo. Sesko’s absence gives Vipotnik and Danijel Sturm a clear route to start, while Gnezda Cerin and Lovric should protect the centre.

Croatia

3-4-2-1

1Dominik LivakovicFenerbahceGK

6Josip SutaloAjaxCB

3Luka VuskovicTottenham HotspurCB

4Josko GvardiolManchester CityCB

2Josip StanisicBayern MunichRB

10Luka Modricyet to be confirmedCM

8Mateo KovacicManchester CityCM

14Ivan PerisicPSV EindhovenLB

13Nikola VlasicTorinoCAM

16Martin BaturinaComoCAM

17Ante BudimirOsasunaST

Slovenia

3-5-2

1Jan OblakAtletico MadridGK

2David BrekaloOrlando CityCB

6Jaka BijolUdineseCB

21Vanja DrkusicZenitCB

20Zan KarnicnikCeljeRB

8Sandi LovricUdineseCM

22Adam Gnezda CerinPanathinaikosCM

10Svit SeslarCeljeCM

13Erik JanzaGornik ZabrzeLB

7Danijel SturmSigma OlomoucST

18Zan VipotnikSwansea CityST

Projected lineup view · Croatia vs Slovenia · official XIs yet to be confirmed

Key Players to Watch

Luka Modric – Croatia

Modric remains Croatia’s clearest rhythm-setter even as his minutes need careful management. His passing can pull Slovenia’s midfield out of shape and create room for Baturina or Vlasic between the lines.

The 40-year-old is also chasing another landmark cap, so Dalic may use this friendly to sharpen his timing before the Group L opener. Croatia look calmer when Modric controls the first forward pass.

Jan Oblak – Slovenia

Oblak gives Slovenia a high-level base in goal and a captain who can manage pressure during long defensive spells. Croatia should have more territory, which makes his positioning and handling central to the away plan.

Slovenia will need clean restarts after saves because their best attacking route may come from quick counters. Oblak’s distribution can start those moments before Croatia reset their shape.

Croatia vs Slovenia – Tactical Preview

Croatia should use a back three to free Stanisic and Perisic as wide outlets. Modric and Kovacic can control the ball, while Gvardiol gives Dalic a left-sided defender who can step into midfield.

Slovenia should stay compact in a 3-5-2 and defend the half-spaces around Baturina and Vlasic. Cesar’s side can then look for early balls into Vipotnik or Sturm when Croatia’s wing-backs push high.

Croatia vs Slovenia Team News

Slovenia Team News

Sesko is the main absence because the striker is still dealing with a shin problem. Slovenia also left experienced midfielders Timi Max Elsnik and Jon Gorenc Stankovic out of the squad, so Cesar has fewer senior midfield options.

Oblak and Bijol should give the away side leadership from the back. Vipotnik is the likeliest central forward if Cesar wants a natural penalty-box striker, while Sturm offers a mobile partner in a two-man attack.

Croatia Team News

Croatia received better news on Gvardiol and Kovacic after both were cleared to join the squad following injury issues. Modric is also expected to feature after recovering from a facial injury, which keeps Dalic’s first-choice spine available.

Perisic should operate from the left, while Budimir, Kramaric, Musa, and Matanovic are all options up front. Dalic may rotate, but the projected XI still points to a strong starting group before the World Cup.

How to Watch Croatia vs Slovenia Live

U.S. viewers have the clearest listing, with FOX One showing FS2 for Croatia vs Slovenia. The FOX Sports App may also carry access for viewers with eligible provider credentials.

Croatia and Slovenia listings should be checked near kickoff through official broadcaster schedules. Fans can also use the Croatia football TV schedule, Slovenia football TV schedule, and FIFA World Cup broadcasting rights hub for broader TV information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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