Croatia vs England: Nations League clash in Rijeka to be played behind closed doors

England's Nations League Group A3 clash with Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday will be played behind closed doors, with the sanctions imposed on the Croatian FA after serious crowd disturbances during a Nations League match against France in March 2025.

Why the match is behind closed doors

During that March 2025 fixture at the Stade de France, Croatia supporters set off fireworks in their section, and seven fans were taken into custody on suspicion of making Nazi salutes. The seven were later released without prosecution due to a lack of evidence.

On top of that punishment, Croatia were prohibited from having travelling supporters in their 2-1 win over the Czech Republic last Saturday.

Will any fans be inside the stadium?

Although the game is officially behind closed doors, it will not be completely empty. Between 3,000 and 6,000 Croatian schoolchildren have been permitted to attend the match at Stadion Rijeka.

England supporters were initially not allowed to attend at all, but following discussions with Uefa and England, the Three Lions were later permitted to receive 100 complimentary tickets for their fans.

A familiar venue and a familiar opponent

The venue carries history for both sides: England and Croatia also met behind closed doors here in a 0-0 draw in October 2018. More recently, the two nations met at the 2026 World Cup, where England ran out 4-2 winners in Dallas.

The match could prove pivotal in deciding which side reaches next March's Nations League quarter-finals, with both teams sitting on three points in Group A3. England arrive in Rijeka chasing a ninth consecutive away victory — a mark they have matched only once before, under Alf Ramsey between 1965 and 1967 — while Croatia are reeling from a heavy defeat.

This article draws on reporting from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.