Montenegro vs Croatia Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

The Vatreni dominated the proceedings when these sides last met.

The Montenegro national football team is ready to host the Croatia national football team for their FIFA World Cup European qualifiers. This interesting contest will take place at the Podgorica City Stadium.

The Hrabri sokoli will be at home, but it is not going to make things any easier for them. They put up a poor show against Croatia last time around. In that meeting, they conceded four and were unable to score any goals.

Due to their lacklustre efforts, the Montenegro national football team have also failed to qualify for the upcoming edition of the FIFA World Cup

Meanwhile, the Croatia national football team have qualified for the mega competition. They have shown consistent performances in the ongoing FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Vatreni have won six of their seven matches.

They will now be keen to continue their positive momentum.

We are but few, yet brave and bold! 🇭🇷💪🏼 Congratulations to the head coach, coaching staff, and all the players that have contributed to this magnificent qualifying campaign and another major success of Croatian football – we have reached the 2026 @FIFAWorldCup in Canada, USA,… pic.twitter.com/t1FgxBwMhl

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) November 15, 2025

Kick-off:

• Location: Podgorica, Montenegro
• Stadium: Podgorica City Stadium
• Date: Tuesday, November 18
• Kick-off Time: 01:15 a.m. IST (Monday, Nov 17; 07:45 p.m. GMT/ 03:45 p.m. ET/ 12:45 p.m. PT)
• Referee: Umut Meler 
• VAR: In use

Form:

Montenegro: L-L-L-W-W

Croatia: W-W-D-W-W

Players to Watch

Nikola Krstovic (Montenegro)

The 25-year-old Atalanta forward will be looking to step up his game so that he can help his side score a goal or two against the visitors. Nikola Krstovic is coming in after scoring a crucial goal for the Montenegro national football team in their previous World Cup qualifying fixture.

Petar Musa (Croatia)

Petar Musa was one of the goal scorers for the Croatia national football team in their 3-1 win against the Faroe Islands. He will be ready to lead his side in the attacking front. The 27-year-old is likely to find the net yet again for the Vatreni in their upcoming game.

Moreover, he has been in good form this season.

Match Facts

• Croatia haven’t lost in their last seven matches.
• Montenegro have won two of their last five games.
• This is going to be the second-ever meeting between these teams.

Montenegro vs Croatia: Betting Tips and Odds

• Croatia to win @31/100 10bet
• Petar Musa to score @9/2 bet365
• Goals over 3.5 @8/5 10bet

Injury and Team News

Montenegro will miss out on the services of Stefan Savic. He is injured.

Ante Budimir and Mateo Kovacic will not be in action for Croatia. They are injured.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 1

Montenegro won: 0

Croatia won: 1

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Montenegro predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Nikic (GK); Marusic, Tuci, Sipcic, Radunovic; Jankovic, Adzic, Bulatovic, Vukotic; Osmajic, Krstovic

Croatia predicted lineup (3-4-2-1)

Livakovic (GK); Stanisic, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Pasalic, Modric, Pasalic, Perisic; Sucic, Kramaric; Musa

Match Prediction

The hosts will be under pressure, while the Vatreni will be comfortable going into the match. The Croatia national football team is likely to come out on top. They should secure an easy win against Montenegro in their upcoming World Cup qualifying clash.

Prediction: Montenegro 1-3 Croatia

Telecast Details

Telecast Details

India: Star Sports Network, SonyLIV

UK: Prime Video UK

USA: Disney+, Fox Sports, Fubo TV, ViX

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