Europe - UEFA Nations League
New customers only | Commercial content | 18+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Kennedy Kechula | in UEFA Nations League Predictions
Former world champions France are staring at a quarter-final exit in the UEFA Nations League unless they can pull a great comeback against Croatia. These two nations will face off in the return leg of their last eight, with Croatia leading 2-0 from the first leg. After their defeat in Split, we have the preview and two predictions as the two meet in Saint Denis this Sunday.
These two nations have become well-acquainted in the past few years, starting from the 2018 World Cup final. In just those seven years, they’ve faced off six times, with France winning three times and Croatia twice.
However, ahead of this game, Croatia hold a three-match unbeaten run against France. While Croatia are gunning for their first Nations League title, France are chasing their second. There’s still some way before the ultimate winner can be determined as progressing from this tie sets up a match against the Netherlands or Spain.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
The Best Betting Odds for France v Croatia Match
| Bookmaker | 1 | X | 2 | Bonus up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1.4 | 4.5 | 7.5 |
|
|
1.44 | 4.6 | 6.5 |
|
|
1.7 | 2.87 | 5.5 |
|
|
1.46 | 4.89 | 7.9 |
|
|
1.46 | 4.89 | 7.9 |
|
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
What is the prediction for the football match between France and Croatia?
Our prediction for the France vs Croatia match is: both teams to score.
Probabilities according to our algorithm* of possible 1X2 football predictions and best odds for the match on 23/03/2025 between France and Croatia in UEFA Nations League :
- The Sportytrader ⭐ algorithm estimates a probability of 45.53% for a win of France against Croatia with odds of 1.7 at Ladbrokes.
- The probability according to Sportytrader ⭐ for a draw between France vs Croatia is 27.86% with odds of 4.89 at 1xbet.
- Our prediction model gives a 26.61% chance ⭐ for a win of Croatia vs France with odds of 7.9 at 1xbet.
France vs Croatia Form
France and Croatia Last Matches
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
20 Mar 2025 - UEFA Nations League
17 Nov 2024 - UEFA Nations League
14 Nov 2024 - UEFA Nations League
14 Oct 2024 - UEFA Nations League
10 Oct 2024 - UEFA Nations League
9 Sep 2024 - UEFA Nations League
2/6 (33%)
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
14 Nov 2024 - UEFA Nations League
9 Sep 2024 - UEFA Nations League
6 Sep 2024 - UEFA Nations League
1 Jul 2024 - Euro
25 Jun 2024 - Euro
9 Jun 2024 - International Friendlies
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
20 Mar 2025 - UEFA Nations League
17 Nov 2024 - UEFA Nations League
14 Oct 2024 - UEFA Nations League
10 Oct 2024 - UEFA Nations League
9 Jul 2024 - Euro
5 Jul 2024 - Euro
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
20 Mar 2025 - UEFA Nations League
18 Nov 2024 - UEFA Nations League
15 Nov 2024 - UEFA Nations League
15 Oct 2024 - UEFA Nations League
12 Oct 2024 - UEFA Nations League
8 Sep 2024 - UEFA Nations League
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
20 Mar 2025 - UEFA Nations League
18 Nov 2024 - UEFA Nations League
12 Oct 2024 - UEFA Nations League
8 Sep 2024 - UEFA Nations League
24 Jun 2024 - Euro
19 Jun 2024 - Euro
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
15 Nov 2024 - UEFA Nations League
15 Oct 2024 - UEFA Nations League
5 Sep 2024 - UEFA Nations League
15 Jun 2024 - Euro
8 Jun 2024 - International Friendlies
26 Mar 2024 - International Friendlies
France vs Croatia Stats: Head to Head (H2H)
50 %
17 %
33 %
Average stats (last H2H results)
20 Mar 2025 - UEFA Nations League
13 Jun 2022 - UEFA Nations League
6 Jun 2022 - UEFA Nations League
14 Oct 2020 - UEFA Nations League
8 Sep 2020 - UEFA Nations League
15 Jul 2018 - World Cup
France - Croatia: Form Analysis
France have their work cut out here; in three Nations League meetings, they have failed to beat Croatia, losing the last two. Though they have only lost twice in 11 matches against Croatia, this recent form against their visitors is worrying.
It isn’t a good memory too, that the last time France hosted Croatia, they lost 1-0.
The loss away from home leaves them exposed as they try to reach the semis of the tournament they won with relative ease four years ago.
Didier Deschamps’ men have, however, won more home Nations League matches than they lost. Five wins in the last 10, and with just three defeats, should be a motivator.
France won four of their last six Nations League matches.
Croatia have a healthy lead from the first leg but traveling to France, they’ll know the tie is still open. With the attacking talent at France’s disposal, Croatia cannot afford to relax.
Still, there are many positives to carry into this game and a lot to build on. Croatia’s win in the home leg served only their second clean sheet in 11 matches.
Meanwhile, they failed to score in just two of their last 13 matches. There could be a few concerns about their inconsistent runs but Croatia will feel ready to take on France in their backyard.
About that shaky run, is the fact they haven't won any of their last four away matches.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
France vs Croatia last Lineups
Formation : 4 - 3 - 1 - 2
Formation : 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
France & Croatia Squad Analysis
As France go in search of goals, the one name that will stand out is Ousmane Dembele. He has been on fire in 2025, and comes here having scored 13 times for his club, PSG, in that period.
When the French last scored at home, he was among the scorers and will be confident coming into this. Dembele is just one of the lethal forwards Didier Deschamps will be looking at.
Kylian Mbappe is back and playing in a forward line that also has Randal Kolo Muani is almost a guarantee they’ll get the desired goals. However, an injury to Ibrahima Konate will mean lesser cover at the back.
Marcus Thuram is injured and out for France.
Apart from the aging Luka Modric, Croatia do not boast many superstars, just a group of players who work well together. One of them is Ivan Perisic. The PSV Eindhoven man got a goal and an assist in a man-of-the-match performance in the first leg.
He will be hoping to extend that good form, having now managed three goal contributions in the 2024/25 Nations League. The veteran is only set to play a support role, with Ante Budimir leading the attack. Budimir scored in the first leg, his first goal in the Nations League and fourth in five matches for club and country.
Most goals and assists
France
Croatia
R. Kolo Muani
(3 Goals)
A. Kramaric
(1 Goals)
,
I. Matanovic
(1 Goals)
,
B. Sosa
(1 Goals)
,
M. Baturina
(1 Goals)
,
P. Sucic
(1 Goals)
,
J. Gvardiol
(1 Goals)
,
A. Budimir
(1 Goals)
,
I. Perisic
(1 Goals)
,
L. Modric
(1 Goals)
L. Digne
(3 Assists)
M. Baturina
(1 Assists)
,
P. Sucic
(1 Assists)
,
K. Jakic
(1 Assists)
,
I. Perisic
(1 Assists)
France and Croatia Stats in UEFA Nations League
France - Croatia Key Points
- Both teams scored in three of Croatia’s last five away matches.
- In four of Croatia’s last five Nations League matches, both teams scored.
- In four of six meetings between these nations, both scored.
- Only one of France’s last 10 Nations League matches ended goalless.
- At home, France failed to score in just one of the last five matches.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Our France vs Croatia Prediction
This match will not be short of attacking display, looking at the riches both teams parade on either end. The initiative will be on France to attack and that we expect to see from them. They aren’t known to be the best in defence and especially now that Ibrahima Konate’s injury reduces their defensive options. Croatia aren’t big in defence either. Their major threat is in the forward line so we don’t expect them to sit back in France. Our prediction for France v Croatia, therefore, is for both teams to score.
France vs Croatia - Other Interesting Predictions
Over 2.5 goals
In France’s last five matches, 14 goals were scored; an average of just under three goals. They scored three or more twice in the process. Croatia conceded three times in one of their last four matches. In total, their last five matches averaged about 2.8 goals per game. In light of that, our second prediction here will be for over 2.5 goals.
Use £/€50 free bets for the France vs. Croatia game!
Are you planning to bet on the upcoming match between France and Croatia? Why not take advantage of the free bets from Bet365? Use our promo code STYVIP1 and open your account. Bet365 offers a welcome package of €/£50 free bet credits if you bet €/£10 as a new player.
Try your luck on this year's UEFA Nations League! You need to make your qualifying bet of €/£10 within 30 days of opening an account and this can be on any sport with at least one selection priced at 1.2 (1/5) or bigger.
France vs Croatia match : Frequently asked questions
The France v Croatia match will be played on Sunday 23 March.
The France v Croatia match will be hosted at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
