Croatia qualify for World Cup after comeback win

Croatia turn the match around

Croatia secured their place at the 2026 World Cup after a comeback victory over the Faroe Islands in Rijeka. The visitors stunned the home crowd when Geza David Turi’s deflected strike put them ahead, but Croatia responded quickly. Josko Gvardiol levelled the score seven minutes later with a precise low finish into the bottom corner.

Clinical finishing seals qualification

Petar Musa marked his first appearance for Croatia since 2023 by putting the team ahead from close range. Nikola Vlasic later added a third after connecting with a well-placed cross from Ivan Perisic, making the win safe. The result puts Croatia six points clear of the Czech Republic with one match remaining — enough to officially book their ticket to the World Cup.

Faroe Islands’ hopes end

For the Faroe Islands, the loss ends their faint chances of reaching the play-offs. Even a win would have left them needing the Czech Republic to drop points against Gibraltar. After the match, Faroes coach Eydun Klakstein congratulated Croatia and wished them success on the world stage.

Reactions from the camp

Gvardiol expressed pride in the team’s achievement, saying qualification with a game to spare shows the strength and consistency of the squad. Croatia will head to their final qualifier against Montenegro relaxed but determined to finish strongly.