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>Croatia vs Slovenia Prediction & Betting Tips – 07/06/2026
Croatia welcome Slovenia to the Stadion Anđelko Herjavec on 7 June for a neighbourhood derby with plenty riding on it. This friendly serves as the Vatreni's final tune-up before the World Cup, offering Zlatko Dalić one last chance to sharpen his side after bruising defeats to Brazil and Belgium. The occasion could also mark Luka Modrić's farewell home appearance in a Croatia shirt. For Slovenia, now rebuilding under Boštjan Cesar following their failed qualification campaign, the fixture represents a measuring stick against top-tier opposition.
Match Analysis
Croatia enter as clear favorites at 1.33, motivated by a final World Cup tune-up on home soil. Dalić's 4-2-3-1 features a fully fit core, with Modrić, Kovačić, and Gvardiol all available and ready to start.
- 3 wins from last 4 H2H meetings, including a dominant 3-0 victory over Slovenia in September 2021.
- Modrić, Kovačić, and Gvardiol all returned to fitness and confirmed in the starting lineup.
- Formation switch to 4-2-3-1 signals tactical intent and preparation for the World Cup group stage.
- 9 goals scored across 7 all-time meetings with Slovenia, reflecting consistent attacking output in this fixture.
Slovenia arrive at 9.00 as heavy outsiders, facing Croatia without their primary goal threat Benjamin Šeško, sidelined by a shin injury. New coach Boštjan Cesar is integrating younger, less tested players in an active rebuilding phase.
- Benjamin Šeško absent due to shin injury, removing Slovenia's most dangerous and irreplaceable attacking option.
- Three key players not called up, including Elšnik and Gorenc Stankovič, weakening squad depth significantly.
- New coach and rebuilding squad show limited cohesion, having failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Key point: Croatia's zero clean sheets in their last six games suggests both teams could score; the double chance X2 in prose combined with N/A offers a complementary angle worth monitoring.
Form & Statistics: Croatia vs Slovenia
Croatia
Recent form
Season statistics (3)
Slovenia
Recent form
Season statistics (3)
Croatia vs Slovenia: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
Lineups: Croatia vs Slovenia
Croatia
Starters
- 1 Dominik Livaković
- 2 Josip Stanišić
- 3 Martin Erlić
- 4 Marin Pongračić
- 5 Joško Gvardiol
- 6 Luka Modrić
- 7 Mateo Kovačić
- 8 Marco Pašalić
- 9 Andrej Kramarić
- 10 Ivan Perišić
- 11 Ante Budimir
Bench
- Petar Sučić
- Igor Matanović
- Martin Baturina
- Mario Pašalić
- Luka Sučić
- Nikola Vlašić
- Josip Šutalo
- Duje Ćaleta-Car
- Toni Fruk
- Kristijan Jakić
- Dominik Kotarski
- Nikola Moro
- Petar Musa
- Ivor Pandur
- Luka Vušković
Slovenia
Starters
- 1 Jan Oblak
- 2 Žan Karničnik
- 3 Jaka Bijol
- 4 Vanja Drkušić
- 5 Erik Janža
- 6 Tjaš Begić
- 7 Adam Gnezda Čerin
- 8 Sandi Lovrić
- 9 Marcel Ratnik
- 10 Žan Vipotnik
- 11 Danijel Šturm
Bench
- Srđan Kuzmić
- David Brekalo
- Aljoša Matko
- Andraž Šporar
- David Zec
- Tian Nai Koren
- Žan-Luk Leban
- Svit Sešlar
- Ester Sokler
- Adrian Zeljković
Absent
- Benjamin Šeško (Shin injury/calf injury; not called up to the squad for this friendly.)
- Timi Max Elšnik (Not called up to the squad.)
- Jon Gorenc Stankovič (Not called up to the squad.)
Both sides line up with confirmed XIs for this Adriatic friendly, setting up a 4-2-3-1 versus 4-4-2 contest. Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić anchor Croatia's midfield double pivot, giving the hosts considerable technical control in the centre of the pitch.
Slovenia's flat 4-4-2 will look to press in compact banks and exploit transitions, with Jan Oblak providing considerable assurance behind a back four that must cope with Croatia's fluid attacking movement through the lines.
Our Verdict
Croatia's home win at 1.33 represents the standout selection here. Despite two recent defeats, those losses came against Brazil and Belgium, sides of a different calibre to Slovenia. Dalić's tactical shift to a 4-2-3-1 suggests a more attacking approach on home soil, while Slovenia's rebuilding phase under Boštjan Cesar leaves them vulnerable. The under 2.5 goals market at N/A also appeals, given Croatia's likely cautious approach ahead of the World Cup. Prediction: Croatia win, under 2.5 goals. Odds and markets subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for Croatia vs Slovenia?
The strongest case is for a Croatia home win at 1.33. Croatia field a full-strength side featuring Modrić, Kovačić, Gvardiol, and Kramarić, while Slovenia arrive without the injured Benjamin Šeško and are in the midst of a rebuilding phase under new coach Boštjan Cesar. The head-to-head record and home advantage make Croatia the clear, well-supported selection here.
What time does Croatia vs Slovenia kick off?
This friendly fixture kicks off at 18:45 UTC on Sunday, 7th June 2026. The match takes place at the Stadion Anđelko Herjavec in Croatia. It serves as a significant occasion for the home side, potentially marking Luka Modrić's final international appearance on home soil ahead of the World Cup.
Where can I watch Croatia vs Slovenia on TV?
Broadcast arrangements for this friendly international will vary depending on your territory. Supporters in Croatia and Slovenia should check their respective national broadcasters, while those elsewhere are advised to consult local sports channels and streaming platforms for live coverage listings closer to the 18:45 UTC kickoff on 7th June 2026.
What is Croatia's recent record against Slovenia?
Croatia's recent head-to-head record against Slovenia is strongly in their favour. Across the last four meetings, Croatia have claimed three wins to Slovenia's one. Most notably, Croatia delivered a commanding 3-0 victory in September 2021. That dominant record underlines why the home side are considered firm favourites for this fixture at 1.33.
