Introduction to the Match
The FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA Group L campaign nears its conclusion with a decisive encounter as Croatia hosts a surprisingly resilient Faroe Islands side. This Matchday 9 fixture, scheduled for November 14, 2025, sees the Vatreni (Blazers) on the brink of securing automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Croatia needs only to avoid defeat in this match to confirm the top spot in the group and secure their place in the finals.
The Faroe Islands, however, are enjoying one of their most successful qualification campaigns in history. Currently sitting in third place, they are only one point behind the Czech Republic for the crucial second-place play-off spot and will be aiming for a historic upset or at least a draw to keep their improbable dream alive heading into the final matchday. This is a high-stakes meeting at the Stadion Rujevica, pitting Croatia’s world-class quality against the Faroe Islands’ determined organization.
Match Details
This midweek match is a pivotal fixture in the penultimate round of the UEFA World Cup qualification tournament for Group L.
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA |
| Phase | Group L – Matchday 9 (Penultimate Match) |
| Date | Friday, November 14, 2025 |
| Kick-off | 7:45 PM GMT (8:45 PM CET) |
| Venue | Stadion Rujevica, Rijeka, Croatia (Note: Some sources indicate Stadion Maksimir) |
Team Form and Analysis for Croatia
World Cup Qualifying Performance and Unbeaten Streak
Croatia are currently in 1st position in Group L with a dominant 16 points from six matches. Their qualification record stands at five wins, one draw, and zero losses.
The Kockasti (Checkered Ones), managed by Zlatko Dalić, have been exceptional throughout the campaign, boasting one of the best defensive records in all of Europe, conceding only one goal while scoring 20. Their recent form includes convincing home victories like a 5-1 win against the Czech Republic and a 3-0 victory against Gibraltar. Their only dropped points came in a 0-0 draw away to the Czech Republic. Merely avoiding defeat in this match will be enough to seal their direct passage to the 2026 World Cup. Despite missing key players like Ante Budimir and Mateo Kovačić due to injury (if confirmed), Croatia’s immense depth of talent, tactical discipline, and strong home record (unbeaten in their last nine home games) make them the overwhelming favorites. The team will seek a professional, controlled victory to secure their qualification in front of their home fans.
Key Player: Luka Modrić
Midfielder and captain Luka Modrić remains the heart and soul of the Croatian team. The veteran maestro’s vision, exceptional passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game are unparalleled. In a match where Croatia will face a deep, compact defence, Modrić’s creativity will be essential for unlocking space and supplying the forwards. His leadership and experience are invaluable, ensuring that the team approaches this crucial fixture with the necessary focus and quality to secure their World Cup spot.
Team Form and Analysis for Faroe Islands
World Cup Qualifying Campaign and Historic Form
The Faroe Islands are currently in a surprising 3rd position in Group L with 12 points from seven matches. Their qualification record stands at four wins, zero draws, and three losses.
Under manager Eyðun Klakstein, the Landsliðið (The National Team) have enjoyed a brilliant and unprecedented qualifying campaign. Their recent form is excellent, featuring three consecutive group wins, including a stunning 2-1 home victory against the Czech Republic and an impressive 4-0 home win against Montenegro. Their only loss in their last five matches was a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Croatia in the reverse fixture. The team is known for its exceptional organization and defensive discipline, conceding only six goals in seven matches. The Faroe Islands have a rare chance to continue fighting for the play-off spot, but the odds are stacked against them, particularly on the road where they have lost four of their last five away games. They will rely on their tactical structure and counter-attacking efficiency to shock the group leaders.
Key Player: Hanus Sørensen
Forward/Winger Hanus Sørensen has emerged as a key goal threat for the Faroe Islands, netting three times in his last two appearances, including goals in the crucial wins against Montenegro and the Czech Republic. His pace, direct running, and sudden scoring ability make him the most dangerous player on the counter-attack for the visitors. Sørensen’s ability to take advantage of any lapse in the Croatian defence, particularly if the hosts overcommit in attack, will be crucial if the Faroe Islands are to secure an unlikely positive result.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The head-to-head history between Croatia and the Faroe Islands is extremely limited, with their only senior competitive meeting occurring earlier in this qualification campaign.
| Metric | Croatia Wins | Draws | Faroe Islands Wins |
| Total Competitive Meetings | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Recent WCQ Result (Sep 2025) | Croatia 1-0 Faroe Islands (A) | ||
| Croatia’s Goals Scored (WCQ H2H) | 1 (in 1 match) |
The two nations have only faced each other once previously in the senior competitive arena. This was the 1-0 victory for Croatia in the reverse fixture earlier in Group L, secured by a goal from Andrej Kramarić. The narrow margin of victory highlights the defensive resilience of the Faroe Islands, who made it very difficult for the superior Croatian side to break through. This historical result shows that the visitors are capable of frustrating the Vatreni, despite the significant difference in FIFA ranking and pedigree.
Players to Watch
Croatia
- Andrej Kramarić (Forward): The experienced attacker is a constant goal threat, capable of scoring from open play and set pieces. He scored the only goal in the reverse fixture and his ability to convert half-chances will be critical against a deep-lying Faroese defence.
- Joško Gvardiol (Defender): The highly-rated defender is the leader of Croatia’s defence. His pace, physical strength, and excellent ball-playing abilities are essential for maintaining the team’s superb defensive record and initiating attacks from the back.
Faroe Islands
- Gunnar Vatnhamar (Midfielder): The versatile midfielder is a vital player for the Landsliðið, providing a solid defensive shield and contributing to the attack. His work rate will be essential for disrupting Croatia’s talented midfield and slowing down the tempo of the game.
- Mattias Lamhauge (Goalkeeper): The goalkeeper will likely be the busiest player on the pitch. His shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box will be crucial for keeping the scoreline respectable and giving the Faroe Islands a chance to snatch a point.
Prediction
Croatia enters the match with supreme confidence, knowing that a draw is sufficient for automatic World Cup qualification. Their exceptional defensive record, coupled with the quality and experience of players like Luka Modrić, makes them overwhelming favorites at home. While the Faroe Islands have proven themselves to be a highly organized and resilient side, particularly in the reverse fixture, it is difficult to see them containing Croatia’s attack for 90 minutes in a high-pressure match. Croatia will dominate possession and should eventually break down the stubborn resistance, securing a victory that confirms their spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Score Prediction: Croatia 2-0 Faroe Islands
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This critical FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA match is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
In Croatia, the match is typically broadcast live on Nova TV and streamed on the Nova Plus platform.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match will be available to watch and stream live on Prime Video or other broadcasters holding the rights for this specific UEFA qualifying fixture.
In the United States (US), the match is typically available to watch and stream live on FOX Soccer Plus and its associated streaming services, including FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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