Image Source: BBC
Croatia vs England will be played in an unusual atmosphere on Saturday, with the Nations League fixture in Rijeka officially taking place behind closed doors. However, the match will not be completely empty, as thousands of Croatian schoolchildren are expected to attend.
The game will be staged at Stadion Rujevica, the same venue where the two nations played a 0-0 draw behind closed doors in October 2018. This time, the restrictions are linked to disciplinary action against Croatia following crowd disturbances during a Nations League match against France in March 2025.
Why is Croatia vs England behind closed doors?
UEFA imposed a limited-capacity punishment after incidents involving Croatia supporters during the match at Stade de France. Seven fans were taken into custody on suspicion of making Nazi salutes. They were later released without prosecution because of insufficient evidence.
Croatian supporters also set off fireworks in their section of the stadium during the France fixture. The combination of the alleged gestures and the use of fireworks led to sanctions that affected Croatia’s next home international fixture.
The punishment has also had an impact on away support. Croatia were prohibited from having travelling fans during their 2-1 victory in the Czech Republic last Saturday, adding to the controversy surrounding the team’s recent matches.
A surprising exception for Croatian schoolchildren
Although the fixture is officially classified as being behind closed doors, between 3,000 and 6,000 Croatian schoolchildren have been permitted to attend. Their presence means the stadium will have some atmosphere, but the crowd will be very different from the usual audience at a major international match.
The decision is designed to prevent the return of the supporters linked to the disciplinary incidents while still allowing young people to watch the national team. It also gives the match a community-focused feel, despite the serious reason for the restrictions.
How many England fans can attend?
England supporters were initially not allowed to attend the match. Following discussions between the Football Association, UEFA and the relevant authorities, the Three Lions were eventually permitted to provide 100 complimentary tickets to England fans.
That figure is significantly lower than the number of travelling supporters normally expected for an England away fixture. The limited allocation means most England fans will have to follow the Nations League contest from home rather than inside the stadium.
The arrangement also creates a striking contrast between the two fan groups. Thousands of local schoolchildren could be present, while only a small group of England supporters will be able to watch the visitors in person.
Will the unusual setting affect England?
Playing in front of a restricted crowd can change the rhythm and intensity of an international fixture. England’s players will not face the usual hostile away environment, but they will also miss the energy generated by a full stadium and a strong travelling support.
For Croatia, the presence of schoolchildren may provide encouragement, but the setting will still lack the traditional noise and pressure associated with a home Nations League match. Both teams must adjust to a quieter and more controlled environment.
England and Croatia have already produced memorable meetings, including England’s 4-2 victory at the 2026 World Cup in Dallas. Saturday’s match will offer another chapter in the rivalry, although the unusual crowd restrictions are likely to be one of the main talking points before kick-off.
What happens next?
The match will be closely watched as UEFA continues to enforce strict measures against discriminatory behaviour, pyrotechnics and crowd disorder. The case also shows how incidents involving supporters can affect players, local communities and fans who were not involved in the original events.
For Croatia, avoiding further disciplinary problems will be crucial if the national team wants to restore a normal home-match atmosphere. For England, the focus will be on securing a positive result despite the unusual surroundings and the lack of traditional away support.
FAQs about Croatia vs England
Why is Croatia vs England being played behind closed doors?
The match is being played under a limited-capacity punishment connected to crowd disturbances involving Croatia supporters during a Nations League match against France in March 2025.
Will anyone be allowed inside the stadium?
Yes. Between 3,000 and 6,000 Croatian schoolchildren have been permitted to attend, meaning the stadium will not be completely empty.
How many England fans can attend?
England have been allowed to provide 100 complimentary tickets to supporters following discussions with UEFA and the relevant football authorities.
What incidents led to the punishment?
Seven fans were detained over suspected Nazi salutes, although they were released without prosecution because of a lack of evidence. Fireworks were also set off in the Croatian supporters’ section at Stade de France.
When did Croatia and England last meet behind closed doors?
The teams previously met behind closed doors in Rijeka in October 2018. That Nations League match ended in a 0-0 draw.
