Croatia national team, Getty Images November 14, 2025, 11:52 p.m

Croatia qualified for the 2026 World Cup by beating the Faroe Islands 3-1 in Rijeka. The win at the Rujevic Stadium secured Zlatko Dalic’s side first place in Group L for the round before qualifying.

Despite the advantage of the hosts, it was the guests who scored first. In the 16th minute, Geza’s David Turi passed through the center unopposed and made a low kick – the ball ricocheted off Vushkovich and hit the near corner.

Croatia quickly recovered and equalized. In the 23rd minute, after a rebound in the penalty area, Guardiol took the ball, moved under his left foot and powerfully shot into the far corner, making it 1:1.

After the break, the hosts continued to press and were able to take the lead. In the 57th minute, Stanisych found Petr Musa with a pass, who received the ball with his hip and shot past the goalkeeper — 2:1. The final score was set by Nikola Vlašić in the 70th minute, completing Ivan Perišić’s delicate cross from the left wing.

Croatia have 19 points and are six ahead of the Czech Republic, guaranteeing Dalic’s team first place in the group and a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Croatia – Faroe Islands 3:1
Goals: Guardiol, 23, Musa, 57, Vlashych, 70 — Turi, 16