Croatia, nicknamed the "Checkered Ones," rallied from a goal down in a key match of the 9th round of the 2026 World Cup European qualifiers to defeat the Faroe Islands 3-1, securing their place in the World Cup finals. Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic stated that his team's immediate focus is on the World Cup next summer.

In the 16th minute, David Thurry received the ball and entered the penalty area, firing a shot that deflected off an opposing player and into the net, giving the Faroe Islands a 1-0 lead. In the 23rd minute, Gevadiol's header in the penalty area was blocked, but he followed up with a low shot to equalize for Croatia at 1-1.

In the 57th minute of the second half, Stanišić chipped a pass into the penalty area, and Petar Musa controlled the ball before slotting it past the defender to give Croatia a 2-1 lead. In the 70th minute, Perisic crossed the ball, and Vlasic seized the opportunity to volley home, extending Croatia's lead to 3-1.

Croatia ultimately defeated the Faroe Islands 3-1 at home. With two consecutive wins, Croatia currently leads Group L with 19 points, 6 points ahead of second-placed Czech Republic, successfully securing their place in the World Cup finals.

Croatian coach Dalic said in an interview, "Congratulations to the players on their successful advancement, as well as to the Football Association and everyone involved. Of course, I also want to thank the fans; the atmosphere was fantastic, and it was a very fitting moment to celebrate. We didn't play well in the first half; we were a bit nervous and conceded too many goals, and our decision-making wasn't ideal either. This time, our opponents were very sharp, and it was the first time in a long time that they had conceded two goals."

“We’ve always played with a four-man defense, and we tried something different in this game, but it takes time to build an attack with a three-man defense, and we didn’t have that time. I know what got me into the World Cup, and the four-man defense is what made me the manager I am today. Our focus now is on preparing for the World Cup.”

In addition, Manchester City defender Gevadiol, who scored for Croatia, said, "We have achieved our goal a round early, and we can proudly say that the team has successfully advanced. We are very much looking forward to it. We will go to Montenegro for the final game with a relaxed mindset, but the goal is still to take 3 points, because every game is part of the summer preparations."

"I'm a defender, so it's great to score goals and celebrate with my teammates. But frankly, I'd rather see the team keep a clean sheet than score myself."