Spain hosts Croatia at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan with Lamine Yamal expected to retain his starting spot on the right wing, as both sides bring three points into this 2026-27 UEFA Nations League Matchday 2 clash.
La Roja opened its post-World Cup campaign with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over England at Wembley, with Yamal scoring inside the first two minutes before England hit back through Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane. Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal came off the bench to net the winner, and Spain survived a missed penalty from Kane to extend its unbeaten run to 39 games.
Croatia arrives with a win of its own, having beaten Czechia 2-1 in Prague behind goals from Luka Modric and Marco Pasalic, in a match that also marked Slaven Bilic’s return to the Croatia bench after 14 years away.
Luis De la Fuente is expected to make only minor tweaks to his winning side, keeping the same attacking trio that got the job done against England intact for this one. Croatia, meanwhile, should field a similarly experienced group as Bilic looks to build early momentum in his second stint in charge.
Probable lineup for Spain
De la Fuente is expected to stick with the group that beat England, with Yamal lining up alongside Dani Olmo and Alex Baena in a fluid attacking trio behind Ferran Torres. Marc Pubill retains his spot at right-back after starting in the opener, giving De la Fuente a settled look at the back once again.
see also
How to watch Spain vs Croatia in USA: 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, Live Stream, TV & Preview
Spain projected starting XI: Unai Simon; Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Ferran Torres.
Probable lineup for Croatia
Bilic is expected to lean on experience again, pairing Modric with Mateo Kovacic in central midfield while the Sucic brothers operate further forward alongside Mario Pasalic in support of lone striker Ante Budimir.
Croatia projected starting XI: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Josko Vuskovic, Josko Gvardiol, Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Luka Sucic, Petar Sucic, Mario Pasalic; Ante Budimir.
