France vs Croatia kicks off their second leg at Stade de France in Saint-Denis on March 23. This match will decide who moves on to the Nations League semi-finals. The teams just played their first leg in Split on March 20, though the result of that match is still unknown at the time of writing. Now they’ll battle again in what should be an exciting game between these two great teams.

Key Takeaways

• Match Details: March 23, 2025, at Stade de France, Saint-Denis (Kick-off time to be confirmed, likely 20:45 CET)
• First Leg: Played March 20, 2025, at Stadion Poljud, Split
• Head-to-Head: France has historical edge, including the 4-2 win in the 2018 World Cup final
• Current Form: France slightly favored, especially with home advantage
• Key Players: Kylian Mbappé (France), Luka Modrić and Joško Gvardiol (Croatia) expected to have significant impact
• Best Bet: Kylian Mbappé to Score or Assist (Please note odds are subject to variance, please check Tobibet for all official odds)
• Progression: Winner advances to Nations League semi-finals in June 2025

France vs Croatia: How Both Teams Are Playing in 2025

France enters this game with strong momentum from their recent performances. They’ve been playing consistently well in the Nations League, topping their group with impressive wins over Belgium (2-1) and Italy (3-1), along with a draw against Israel. The France vs Croatia rivalry has become one of the most intriguing in international football since their World Cup final meeting. Coach Didier Deschamps continues to build on his successful formula with this talented squad.

France possesses an incredibly deep pool of top players from the biggest clubs in Europe. Their blend of experience and youth gives them versatility in approach. They can control possession when needed but become most dangerous on quick transitions, using the pace of their forward line. During the Nations League group stage, France demonstrated their attacking quality while maintaining defensive solidity, conceding just three goals in their group matches.

Croatia’s team continues to impress under coach Zlatko Dalić. Despite an aging core, they’ve shown remarkable resilience and technical quality. They finished second in their Nations League group, with draws against Portugal and Poland, and a narrow loss to Scotland in their most recent match in November 2024. Their run to the 2023 Nations League final, where they narrowly lost to Spain on penalties, demonstrates they remain a force to be reckoned with. Croatia’s midfield control and experience could prove crucial if they need to chase a result after the first leg.

Both teams have displayed good form lately, though the quick turnaround between matches may influence team selection and energy levels. The Nations League format means the winner of this tie advances directly to the semi-finals, adding extra importance to this fixture.

France vs Croatia: First Leg Impact on the Return Match

The result of the first leg in Split will strongly shape how both teams approach the return France vs Croatia match in Paris. With the away goals rule no longer in effect (UEFA removed it in 2021), teams only need to focus on the total score across both games.

If France Wins the First Leg

Should France secure a victory in Split, they might adopt a more controlled approach in the second leg. They would likely focus on managing the game and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities.

Croatia would need to push forward aggressively in this scenario. This aggressive approach could potentially leave spaces in defense for France to exploit on the break. The game might open up significantly in the second half if Croatia needs multiple goals.

If Croatia Wins the First Leg

In this case, France would face pressure to overturn the deficit at home. Deschamps might need to set his team up more offensively than usual.

Croatia could focus on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks with a lead to protect. Dalić would likely instruct his experienced midfield to control the tempo and frustrate the French attack.

The Stade de France crowd would become crucial in pushing France forward and potentially intimidating the Croatian players in this scenario.

If the First Leg Ends in a Draw

A draw in the first leg essentially creates a winner-takes-all contest for the return match. Both teams might start cautiously, with the game opening up in the second half as they push for the decisive goal.

Home advantage could prove decisive for France in this balanced scenario. The familiarity of Stade de France and the supportive crowd could give them the edge in close moments.

This match preview is written before the first leg result is known. For the most updated odds and advice based on the first leg outcome, check Tobibet closer to the match.

Key Players to Watch in France vs Croatia

France’s Star Forward: Kylian Mbappé remains the centerpiece of this French team and a key figure in this France vs Croatia clash. His blistering pace, clinical finishing, and improved playmaking make him perhaps the most dangerous attacker in world football. With 12 goals in his last 15 international appearances, his form is undeniable. Croatia’s defense will need to devise special plans to contain him, particularly in transition moments where he’s most lethal.

French Midfield and Defense

N’Golo Kanté continues to provide energy and defensive cover in midfield for France. Despite being in his mid-30s, Kanté has maintained his remarkable engine, covering more ground than almost any other player in recent internationals. His ability to win back possession and launch attacks will be crucial against Croatia’s technically gifted midfield.

In defense, William Saliba has developed into a world-class center-back. He provides both security and excellent ball progression from the back, completing over 90% of his passes in recent matches for both club and country.

Croatian Key Players

For Croatia, Luka Modrić may be in the twilight of his career, but his vision, passing range, and experience remain invaluable assets. Even at 39, he continues to dictate play for both Real Madrid and Croatia, completing an average of 91% of his passes in recent international matches. His battle with the French midfield could determine which team controls the tempo of the match.

Joško Gvardiol has established himself as one of Europe’s premier defenders. He’ll be tasked with marshaling Croatia’s backline against France’s formidable attack. His ability to both defend aggressively and contribute to build-up play makes him a complete modern defender.

Mateo Kovačić provides energy and creativity in Croatia’s midfield. He’s completed more successful dribbles than any other Croatian player in their Nations League campaign. His ability to carry the ball through pressure and link with the forward line gives Croatia a different dimension in attack and will be crucial if they need to chase the game.

Learn more about Kylian Mbappé’s career achievements and Luka Modrić’s remarkable journey in the game.

France vs Croatia Game Plans and Score Prediction

At home, France will likely look to impose themselves early and establish control. In this France vs Croatia tactical battle, they’ll use their superior athleticism and technical quality to put pressure on Croatia’s defense. Deschamps typically sets his team up to be solid defensively while allowing his attacking talents freedom in the final third.

Croatia needs to rely on their exceptional midfield to control possession and tempo. Dalić’s men are masters at managing games, using their experience to slow the pace when necessary and accelerate when opportunities arise. They’ll need to be compact defensively while still offering a threat on the counter.

The first game’s outcome will significantly influence the second leg approach. If France holds an advantage, they can manage the game more conservatively. Should Croatia have a lead, France will need to be more aggressive at home, potentially leaving themselves vulnerable to Croatia’s counter-attacks.

Odds and Predictions

Based on the first leg being yet to be played, we can only provide preliminary odds. For similar matches in this competition, odds have typically been around: Croatia +220, Draw +229, France +110 for away legs, with the home team receiving shorter odds for the return fixture. (Please note odds are subject to variance, please check Tobibet for all official odds).

Looking at historical data and current form, a 2-1 France victory seems likely if the tie remains balanced after the first leg. The passionate home crowd and superior attacking options should give France the edge in what promises to be a closely contested match.

Why Home Field Matters in France vs Croatia

Stade de France provides one of the most intimidating atmospheres in international football. The France vs Croatia matchup at this venue promises an electric atmosphere with over 80,000 fans creating a wall of noise. French players typically receive tremendous support here, particularly in knockout games.

Croatia must weather what’s likely to be an intense opening period. France traditionally starts strongly at home, feeding off the energy of their supporters. These first 20 minutes could set the tone for the remainder of the match.

France’s Impressive Home Record

Statistics reveal France’s exceptional home record in competitive fixtures, winning approximately 75% of their home matches over the past five years. At Stade de France specifically, they’ve won 14 of their last 18 competitive matches, drawing 3 and losing just once. This translates to a 78% unbeaten rate, making them formidable opponents on home soil. This home advantage represents a critical factor for anyone making sports betting decisions on this fixture.

Many of the French squad have experience playing at Stade de France in internationals and domestic cup finals. Their familiarity with the surroundings gives them an additional comfort level that could prove decisive in a tight contest.

The stadium itself is impressive, with a capacity of 80,698 and excellent acoustics that amplify crowd noise. You can learn more about Stade de France from its official Wikipedia page. It creates one of the most impressive atmospheres in European football, with Croatian players likely to feel the pressure from the moment they step onto the pitch.

Best Betting Tips for France vs Croatia

Best Bet: Kylian Mbappé to Score or Assist

Our top betting pick for this France vs Croatia match is Kylian Mbappé to either score or provide an assist during the game. France’s superstar has been in exceptional form this season, demonstrating his clinical finishing and improved creativity. With home advantage and France likely to dominate key periods of the game, Mbappé will have multiple opportunities to influence the scoreline.

The odds for this bet are approximately 4/6 (Please note odds are subject to variance; please check Tobibet for all official odds as the match approaches).

Mbappé has consistently delivered in big games for France. His combination of speed, skill, and finishing makes him a constant threat, particularly against a Croatian defense that may struggle with his direct running. Whether leading fast breaks or creating for teammates, backing Mbappé to contribute directly to a goal offers solid value.

Additional Betting Options

Both Teams to Score (Yes) – Given that recent France vs Croatia meetings have averaged 3.0 goals per game, including a high-scoring World Cup final, both teams finding the net seems reasonable. Croatia has scored in 4 of their last 5 competitive away matches, while France rarely fails to score at home.

Over 2.5 Goals – Historical data supports this option, with their competitive fixtures averaging 3.0 goals. If Croatia needs to chase the game after the first leg, spaces could open up for more goals.

First Half Goals (Over 0.5) – France typically starts fast at home, especially in knockout games. With the crowd behind them, there’s a good chance of seeing at least one goal before halftime.

FAQ: France vs Croatia

Q: What happened when France and Croatia last met in a major tournament?
A: The most famous meeting in the France vs Croatia rivalry was the 2018 World Cup final in Russia, which France won 4-2 in an entertaining match. Kylian Mbappé scored in that game, becoming the first teenager to score in a World Cup final since Pelé.

Q: Will the away goals rule apply in this tie?
A: No, UEFA abolished the away goals rule for all its competitions in 2021, meaning that if the teams are level on aggregate after both legs, extra time and potentially penalties will determine the winner.

Q: Which players might miss this match through injury or suspension?
A: Team updates will be more accurate closer to the match, particularly after the first leg where suspensions may occur. Check the latest updates on Tobibet before placing your betting tips.

Q: How important is the Nations League for these teams?
A: Both nations view the Nations League as a significant competition. France are yet to win it despite their World Cup success, while Croatia reached the final in 2023, losing to Spain on penalties. Success here also impacts World Cup 2026 qualifying.

Q: What’s the historical goal average in France vs Croatia matches?
A: Recent France vs Croatia meetings have averaged exactly 3.0 goals per game, including their high-scoring 2018 World Cup final (4-2). In their four UEFA Nations League encounters, they’ve produced a total of 12 goals. This consistent goal production suggests there could be good value in over 2.5 goals or both teams to score markets for this fixture.