Croatia Beat Faroe Islands 3-1, Book FIFA World Cup 2026 Spot

Croatia confirmed their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 3-1 win that ended tiny Faroe Islands' dream on Saturday (November 15, 2025). Croatia knew before kickoff that avoiding defeat in Rijeka would guarantee qualification but they were caught cold in the 16th minute when Geza David Turi scored with a deflected shot. The 2018 World Cup runner-up quickly recovered, however, as Josko Gvardiol levelled in the 23rd. Petar Musa put Croatia ahead 2-1 after halftime from Josip Stanisic's assist, and Croatia added a third goal when Nikola Vlasic volleyed in a precise cross from Ivan Perisic at the far post.

Updated on: 15 November 2025 10:27 am

Croatia vs Faroe Islands World Cup Soccer European Qualifiers-1

Croatian players celebrete as they qualified for the World Cup aftre defeating Faroe Islands in Rijeka, Croatia. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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Croatia vs Faroe Islands World Cup Soccer European Qualifiers-Igor Matanovic

Croatia's Igor Matanovic shoots during a World Cup 2026 group L qualifying soccer match between Croatia and Faroe Islands in Rijeka, Croatia. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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Croatia vs Faroe Islands World Cup Soccer European Qualifiers-

Croat players celebrate after a goal during a World Cup 2026 group L qualifying soccer match between Croatia and Faroe Islands in Rijeka, Croatia. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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Croatia vs Faroe Islands World Cup Soccer European Qualifiers-group L qualifying match

Croat fans burn flares during a World Cup 2026 group L qualifying soccer match between Croatia and Faroe Islands in Rijeka, Croatia. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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Croatia vs Faroe Islands World Cup Soccer European Qualifiers-Petar Musa

Croatia's Petar Musa reacts after scoring during a World Cup 2026 group L qualifying soccer match between Croatia and Faroe Islands in Rijeka, Croatia. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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Croatia vs Faroe Islands World Cup Soccer European Qualifiers-Luka Modric

Faroe Islands' Jakup Andreasen defends free kick by Croatia's Luka Modric during a World Cup 2026 group L qualifying soccer match between Croatia and Faroe Islands in Rijeka, Croatia. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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Croatia vs Faroe Islands World Cup Soccer European Qualifiers-Meinhard Olsen

Faroe Islands' Meinhard Olsen lies on the poitch after a foul during a World Cup 2026 group L qualifying soccer match between Croatia and Faroe Islands in Rijeka, Croatia. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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Croatia vs Faroe Islands World Cup Soccer European Qualifiers-Croatia players celebrate

Croatia players celebrate after a goal during a World Cup 2026 group L qualifying soccer match between Croatia and Faroe Islands in Rijeka, Croatia. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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Croatia vs Faroe Islands World Cup Soccer European Qualifiers-Faroe Islands celebrate a goal

Faroe Islands players celebrate after a goal during a World Cup 2026 group L qualifying soccer match between Croatia and Faroe Islands in Rijeka, Croatia. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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Croatia vs Faroe Islands World Cup Soccer European Qualifiers-Croatia players

Croatia players pose before a World Cup 2026 group L qualifying soccer match between Croatia and Faroe Islands in Rijeka, Croatia. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic