How to watch Croatia vs France TODAY: UEFA Nations League match | Will Mbappe play in the starting lineup?

The Croatia vs France match can be watched on UEFA TV PPV on Thursday, March 20, at 3:45 PM ET / 12:45 PM PT. From Stadion Poljud, Croatia, led by Zlatko Dalic, will look to advance to the semifinals against a strong France team coached by Didier Deschamps. Both teams have shown solid performances in the tournament and will aim for a crucial victory. Discover how both teams arrive, their recent results, and the potential lineups for this high-stakes clash.

Match Preview: Croatia vs France

As the UEFA Nations League enters the knockout stages, Croatia faces France in a quarterfinal showdown. Croatia secured their spot after a competitive group stage but faces a major test against the 2018 World Cup winners. The hosts will rely on their experienced core, including Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic, to control the midfield battle.

France, on the other hand, remains one of the most dominant teams in international football. With Kylian Mbappe leading the attack, Les Bleus will look to exploit Croatia’s defensive vulnerabilities and extend their strong form in major tournaments. Expect a tactical battle where both teams will seek control of possession and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Recent Performances

Croatia’s Recent Matches

Croatia has been inconsistent in recent games, with mixed results in their last few outings. A hard-fought 1-1 draw against Portugal on November 18 showed their resilience, but their 1-0 loss to Scotland on November 15 highlighted their struggles in front of goal. Before that, a thrilling 3-3 draw against Poland demonstrated both their attacking prowess and defensive frailties.

Last 5 Matches:

• Croatia 1-1 Portugal (Nations League) - November 18
• Scotland 1-0 Croatia (Nations League) - November 15
• Poland 3-3 Croatia (Nations League) - October 15
• Croatia 2-1 Scotland (Nations League) - October 12
• Croatia 1-0 Poland (Nations League) - September 8

France’s Recent Matches

France is coming off an impressive 3-1 victory over Italy on November 17, underlining their attacking depth. However, they were held to a 0-0 draw against Israel on November 14, showing occasional struggles against compact defensive setups. A 2-1 win over Belgium on October 14 further showcased their ability to grind out results in tough matches.

Last 5 Matches:

• Italy 1-3 France (Nations League) - November 17
• France 0-0 Israel (Nations League) - November 14
• Belgium 1-2 France (Nations League) - October 14
• Israel 1-4 France (Nations League) - October 10
• France 2-0 Belgium (Nations League) - September 9

Head-to-Head

Croatia and France have met several times in major tournaments, with France holding a significant advantage. Their most notable encounter was in the 2018 World Cup final, where France secured a 4-2 victory. More recently, their UEFA Nations League meetings have been competitive, with Croatia managing a draw in their last encounter.

Potential Lineups for Croatia vs France

Croatia (3-4-3)

• Goalkeeper: Dominik Livakovic
• Defenders: Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo
• Midfielders: Borna Sosa, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic
• Forwards: Martin Baturina, Igor Matanovic, Andrej Kramaric

France (4-3-1-2)

• Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
• Defenders: Jules Kounde, Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba, Lucas Digne
• Midfielders: Matteo Guendouzi, Kouadio Kone, Adrien RabiotAttacking 
• Midfielder: Christopher Nkunku
• Forwards: Marcus Thuram, Kylian Mbappe

Predictions and Betting Odds

France enters this match as the favorites, given their strong squad depth and recent form. Croatia, however, has shown resilience in major tournaments and will be a tough opponent at home. The midfield battle between Modric and Rabiot will be key in determining the pace of the game.

Betting Odds:

• Croatia Win: +280
• Draw: +225
• France Win: +110

Expect a highly competitive match, with Croatia looking to frustrate France’s attack and hit on the counter. France, however, has the firepower to break down their defense and advance to the semifinals.

Match Details

• Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
• Time: 3:45 PM ET (12:45 PM PT)
• Tournament: UEFA Nations League – Quarterfinals
• Stadium: Stadion Poljud, Split, Croatia

Where to Watch Croatia vs France Live?

Fans can watch the Croatia vs France match live on UEFA TV PPV on Thursday, March 20, starting at 3:45 PM ET (12:45 PM PT).