Croatia booked their place at the 2026 World Cup after rallying from a goal down to defeat the Faroe Islands 3–1 in Rijeka on Friday.
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Despite a shock early setback, the 2018 World Cup finalists recovered through goals from Josko Gvardiol, Petar Musa and Nikola Vlasic, securing top spot in Group L with an unassailable six-point lead over the Czech Republic with one match remaining.
The Faroes briefly dared to dream of a historic upset when Geza David Turi stunned the home crowd in the 16th minute. Picking up the ball just inside Croatia’s half, Turi strode forward unchallenged and unleashed a powerful strike from distance that found the net via a heavy deflection.
Croatia responded swiftly, levelling seven minutes later. Josko Gvardiol capitalised on hesitant defending to fire a low angled shot past goalkeeper Mathias Lamhauge.
The hosts tightened their grip after the break, with Petar Musa drilling in at the near post in the 57th minute to complete the turnaround. Nikola Vlasic then added a third with a composed cushioned volley 20 minutes from time, punishing Lamhauge who had ventured too far off his line.
The defeat extinguished the Faroe Islands’ already slim hopes of becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup, as they can no longer reach the play-off spots.
Croatia’s victory extends their strong qualifying record and sends them to the expanded 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
