Croatia secure 2026 World Cup qualification after 3 1 comeback against Faroe Islands

Croatia overturned an early deficit to defeat the Faroe Islands 3 1 in Rijeka last Friday, clinching their place at the 2026 World Cup hosted across North America.

Following an unexpected opener from Geza David Turi for the Faroes, goals by Josko Gvardiol, Petar Musa, and Nikola Vlasic ensured the 2018 finalists earned their berth for the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The win extended Croatias advantage to six points ahead of the Czech Republic in Group L standings, with only one match remaining.

The loss dashed the Faroes slim chances of becoming the tiniest country ever to qualify, as they now cannot overtake the Czechs for a play off position.

On the 16th minute, Turi caught the home side off guard by collecting the ball near the halfway line, advancing unopposed, and smashing it in from distance with the aid of a significant deflection.

This advantage held for just seven minutes until Manchester City backline player Gvardiol levelled the score with a sharp finish from a tight angle, capitalising on uncertain play from the Faroes defence.

Musa added the decisive goal by firing into the near corner twelve minutes after the break, calming the Croatian supporters.

Vlasic sealed a more comfortable margin twenty minutes before the end, lobbing a controlled volley past keeper Mathias Lamhauge, who had wandered out of position into open space.