Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Croatia faces England in Nations League match with schoolchildren present

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 3, 2026, 4:13 PM

Last updated Oct 3, 2026

Croatia faces England in Nations League match with schoolchildren present

Summary

Croatia hosts England in a Nations League match on October 3 in Rijeka, originally meant to be played behind closed doors. Due to a UEFA rule, between 4,500 and 6,000 schoolchildren will attend, making the atmosphere unusually lively for a ghost game. Both teams are tied on points, competing for first place in Group 3. England coach Thomas Tuchel has expressed concerns about the tricky conditions the players will encounter. The outcome could also depend on the simultaneous match between Spain and the Czech Republic.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Match set for October 3 in Rijeka, Croatia.
•UEFA sanctioned Croatian Football Federation for racist incidents.
•Children under 14 allowed entry, creating a lively atmosphere.
•Both teams level on points, aiming for first place.
•Spain's match against Czech Republic also influences standings.

Latest Updates

4:13 PMYahoo Sports — Loudest behind-closed-doors game ever? Why #ENGCRO isn't quiet

What they're saying

"
The Nations League clash between Croatia and England was originally supposed to take place behind completely closed doors. However, a special Uefa rule has turned the ghost game in Rijeka into an unus...
— Yahoo Sports

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