Czech Republic face formidable Spain as Nations League group stage reaches decisive phase

Spain, already through to the quarter-finals, continue their 2026-27 Nations League campaign against a Czech Republic side eliminated after losing all four of its Group A3 matches on Thursday evening.

La Roja lead the group by three points from second-placed England, while the Czech Republic are bottom of the section. Spain are not yet guaranteed top spot, but another victory would strengthen their position.

The Czech Republic opened their campaign with a 2-1 home defeat by Croatia and then lost 2-0 at home to England. A 3-1 defeat in Spain was followed by a 3-0 loss to England at Wembley in their most recent fixture.

Santi Denia’s team can no longer reach the quarter-finals and remain at risk of relegation to League B, although they could still finish third. They travel to Croatia for their final group match on 15 November, and ending the campaign without a point would represent a particularly disappointing outcome.

The Czech Republic have lost six of their past seven matches in all competitions. Their only victory in that run came against Guatemala in a friendly in June.

Spain, by contrast, have won all four of their Group A3 matches, scoring 12 goals. They ended the most recent international break with a 2-1 victory over Croatia, having previously beaten England 3-2, Croatia 4-1 and the Czech Republic 3-1.

Luis de la Fuente’s side, world champions in July, are regarded as the leading contenders for the Nations League trophy. They have won their past 11 matches in all competitions and have not lost in normal time since March 2024. Their only defeat during that period came on penalties against Portugal in the 2025 Nations League final.

Spain have never lost to the Czech Republic in eight meetings, recording six wins and two draws. A Czech victory on Thursday would therefore be a historic result.

The Czech Republic will be without suspended Michal Sadilek, while Ladislav Krejci returns after serving a suspension against England. Tomas Soucek is expected to start in midfield as he prepares to win his 94th cap, with Vladimir Coufal set for his 68th appearance for the national side.

Adam Hlozek, who has scored five goals in 50 international appearances, is expected to lead the attack. Eighteen-year-old Idris Hopi is hoping to make his senior debut during the match.

Spain will be without Lamine Yamal, who has a knee injury sustained playing for FC Barcelona against Atletico de Madrid on Sunday. He is expected to join the squad after this fixture to prepare for Sunday’s meeting with England. Mikel Oyarzabal is also absent because of illness.

Alex Baena and Fermin Lopez are both one booking away from suspension for the England match, but are expected to start in Prague.

Our predictions

Spain to win 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0 – 2.27 Ferran Torres to score – 1.85 Fabian Ruiz to be decisive – 2.55

Even without Yamal, Spain should have too much for opponents who have endured a difficult campaign. A positive result for the Czech Republic would be a major surprise.