Croatia and England meet in a UEFA Nations League Group A3 fixture at Stadion HNK Rijeka on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Despite a stadium ban resulting from fan behavior, the arena could be up to 75 percent full as thousands of children and a small delegation of loyal supporters attend the match.
Stadion HNK Rijeka Crowd Exceptions and UEFA Regulations
History is also on the line for Tuchel’s side; a win in this game would see them equal their record of nine away wins in a row between December 1965 and October 1967 under Alf Ramsey. The UEFA Nations League fixture is officially designated as a behind-closed-doors match following disciplinary sanctions imposed on the Croatian Football Federation due to fan misconduct.
However, Article 73 of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations provides specific exceptions for behind-closed-doors fixtures. The rules permit team delegations, journalists, security personnel, and invited groups to enter the ground.
Given that the Stadion HNK Rijeka seats just over 8,000 fans, the venue could reach up to 75 percent capacity. While early estimates anticipated roughly 3,000 children in attendance, the Croatian Football Federation expects between 3,000 and 6,000 children from local schools in the Rijeka area and football academies across the country to fill the stands.
Traveling Supporters and Team Delegations in Rijeka
Following discussions with UEFA, the England Supporters Travel Club secured 100 complementary tickets for supporters with high numbers of away caps, adding a select group of traveling English fans inside the stadium. The Football Association successfully argued that England supporters should not be punished by missing the fixture entirely, resulting in a partial concession from European football’s governing body.
Both teams also received allocations for official delegations and VIP guests, while affiliate partners were granted access. The combination of local schoolchildren and a small contingent of dedicated away fans creates an unusual dynamic for a fixture previously played behind closed doors during England’s October 2018 visit to Rijeka.
Thomas Tuchel Prepares England for an Unusual Atmosphere
England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the strange environment awaiting his squad on Saturday evening, noting that the presence of thousands of children will alter the usual matchday feel.
“To be behind closed doors, it’s never nice. It’s a strange atmosphere. Everyone would love the atmosphere in the stadium – a proper football crowd which would be very, very different. This is a part we have to take into consideration.”
Thomas Tuchel, England Manager, via FotMob
“We cannot switch off and be in holiday mood. It might feel a bit like pre-season but it’s not. It’s a crucial match in the Nations League.”
Thomas Tuchel, England Manager, via Englandfootball
Group A3 Standings and Recent Form for Croatia and England
England bounced back from a 3-2 defeat against Spain in London by defeating Czechia 2-0 in Prague thanks to goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane, as both nations enter the matchday three encounter level on three points each in Group A3, alongside Spain and Czechia.
Croatia opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Czechia before suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat against Spain in Seville under Slaven Bilić, who has returned for a second stint as Croatia manager.
| Team | Matchday 1 Result | Matchday 2 Result | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | Lost 3-2 vs Spain | Won 2-0 vs Czechia | 3 |
| Croatia | Won 2-1 vs Czechia | Lost 4-1 vs Spain | 3 |
The two sides last met at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 17 in Arlington, Texas, where England secured a 4-2 victory featuring a brace from Harry Kane and goals from Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham. Kick-off in Rijeka is scheduled for 6:00 pm local time (16:00 GMT), with live television coverage available in the United Kingdom on ITV1 and ITVX. How will the young crowd in Rijeka impact the final scoreline?