UEFA have confirmed that England will play their upcoming Nations League fixture in Croatia behind closed doors.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, and will take place without supporters inside the stadium.
The decision does not relate to England. Instead, it stems from disciplinary action against Croatia.
UEFA handed Croatia a two-game punishment following crowd trouble during their Nations League quarter-final against France last year.
During that match, fans threw objects, used pyrotechnics and chanted in a manner that breached regulations. As a result, Croatia received a heavy fine.
In addition, UEFA banned them from selling tickets to their supporters for their first away match. Furthermore, UEFA ordered that their first home game must take place without any fans present.
That first home game happens to be against England. This is not the first time England supporters have found themselves in this situation in Croatia.
Back in October 2018, Croatia played a Nations League fixture in Rijeka behind closed doors due to earlier UEFA sanctions.
On that occasion, hundreds of England fans still travelled. Many stood on a hill overlooking the stadium to watch the game. So, it looks like history will repeat itself.
The Croatian FA confirmed on social media that the England match will be played without spectators.
They also confirmed that Croatian fans cannot attend their first away game in the Czech Republic. Quite naturally, England supporters are not happy, as they will not be able to attend the game.
Due to UEFA sanctions, the first home match (vs. England) will be played behind closed doors, while Croatia supporters will not attend the first away match (at Czechia).
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) February 13, 2026
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
