In the ninth round of the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Croatia, playing at home, defeated the Faroe Islands 3-1 after taking the lead, thanks to goals from Gwadiol, Petar Musa and Vlasic.

In the 16th minute, David Thurry received the ball and entered the penalty area, his shot deflecting off an opposing player and into the net, giving the Faroe Islands a 1-0 lead. In the 19th minute, Croatian star Modric took a corner kick, but it was cleared by the opposing defender.

In the 23rd minute, Croatia launched a counter-attack. Gvadiol's header in the penalty area was deflected, but he followed up with a low shot to equalize the score at 1-1. In the 29th minute, Andresson received a pass from his teammate and entered the penalty area to shoot, but the ball was saved by Croatian goalkeeper Ljakovic.

In the 39th minute, Modric met the ball outside the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but the ball went over the post. In the 44th minute, David Thurley, who had previously scored for the Faroe Islands, was shown a yellow card by the referee for a foul on an opposing player.

At the start of the second half, Croatia substituted Stallo for Pasalic. In the 52nd minute, Stanišić delivered a cross, but Kramaric's header went wide. In the 57th minute, Stanišić chipped a pass into the penalty area, Petar Musa controlled the ball, dealt with the defense, and slotted it into the net, giving Croatia a 2-1 lead.

In the 70th minute, Perisic delivered a cross, and Vlasic seized the opportunity to volley home, extending Croatia's lead to 3-1. In the 83rd minute, the Faroe Islands launched a counter-attack from a free kick, and Andresson headed the ball towards goal, but it was caught by Croatian goalkeeper Ljakovic.

In the 88th minute, Stanišić passed the ball over the defense, and Kramaric received the ball and shot, but the ball went over the post.

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.