Czechia and Croatia launch Nations League A with new coaches

Czechia and Croatia will begin their 2026–27 UEFA Nations League A campaign in Prague on Saturday at 19:45 UK time, with both teams under new management following disappointing performances at the 2026 World Cup. The match at Fortuna Arena marks the competitive debut for both head coaches: Santi Denia, who becomes the first foreign manager in Czechia's history, and Slaven Bilić, returning for his second spell in charge of Croatia after previously managing the side from 2006 to 2012.

Czechia endured a difficult World Cup, recording just one point from three matches (a 1–1 draw with South Africa, losses to Korea Republic 2–1 and Mexico 3–0). Denia arrives after leading Spain's youth teams to multiple titles, including the Under-17 European Championship (2017), Under-19 tournament (2019), and Olympic gold in Paris (2024). Bilić, previously employed by West Ham and West Bromwich Albion, spent 14 years in club management before his most recent appointment at Saudi Arabian club Al-Fateh in August 2024. Croatia reached the knockout stages at the World Cup, losing to Portugal in the Round of 32. Bilić described his return as bringing "more mature and experienced" leadership while maintaining the same motivation from his first tenure.

Both nations are grouped with England and Spain in League A Group 3, where points in the opening fixture carry significant weight. Czechia's expected starting eleven includes goalkeeper Matěj Kovář, defenders Martin Vitík, Robin Hranáč, and Ladislav Krejčí, midfielders Alex Král, Lukáš Červ, and Michal Sadílek, and attackers Pavel Šulc and Adam Hložek. Croatia will deploy experienced core players: Dominik Livaković in goal, Luka Modrić (at age 41, seeking his 203rd cap) and Mateo Kovačić in midfield, and 35-year-old forward Ante Budimir, who has scored seven international goals and started the season with five goals in seven appearances for Osasuna.

Croatia hold a stronger head-to-head record, remaining unbeaten across five recorded encounters: two wins and three draws, with Czechia yet to record a victory in the fixture. The most recent meeting was a goalless draw in October 2025 World Cup qualification. A prior encounter in June 2025 saw Croatia defeat Czechia 5–1 in World Cup qualifying. Betting markets marginally favour Croatia, with odds at 23/20, compared to Czechia at 13/5, and a draw also priced at 13/5.