Overview
- The visitors struck first in Rijeka through Géza Dávid Turi before Josko Gvardiol leveled in the first half.
- Petar Musa put Croatia ahead after a cutback from Josip Stanisic, and Nikola Vlasic sealed the win in the second half.
- The victory guarantees Croatia first place in UEFA Group L and direct qualification, with the Czech Republic stuck on 13 points.
- The win came at home in Rijeka, where Croatia overturned the early deficit with three unanswered goals.
- ISTOÉ reported that the qualification sets up Luka Modric for a fifth World Cup appearance in 2026.