Montenegro vs Croatia: WCQ Preview & Odds

World Cup Showdown: Montenegro Hosts Croatia in Final Qualifier

As UEFA Group L concludes, Montenegro welcomes Croatia to Podgorica City Stadium for a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier on Monday, November 17, 2025. Croatia, already qualified, aims to cement their dominance, while Montenegro fights for pride in a challenging group.

How to Watch: Match Details

Date: Monday, November 17, 2025
Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Podgorica City Stadium, Montenegro
TV/Streaming: Fubo, ViX (Prime Video)

Team Form and Momentum

Montenegro enters this match with mixed results. Recent victories over Gibraltar (2-1) and Liechtenstein (2-1) boosted morale, but losses to the Faroe Islands (4-0), Czechia (2-0), and Croatia (4-0) highlight their struggles against top-tier opposition.

Croatia arrives in formidable form. With six wins and one draw in Group L, they’ve secured their fourth consecutive World Cup berth. Recent triumphs include a 3-1 win over the Faroe Islands and a 3-0 victory against Gibraltar, only marred by a 0-0 draw with Czechia.

"Croatia will be celebrating their fourth straight trip to the big tournament. They’ve been nearly perfect in the group stage."

Head-to-Head History

Croatia holds a decisive edge. Their 4-0 win over Montenegro in September 2025 showcased their tactical superiority, with clinical finishing overwhelming the home side. This rematch underscores the gulf in quality between the nations.

Betting Odds and Analysis

Croatia is heavily favored to secure another victory:
- **Croatia to Win:** +314
- **Draw:** -268
- **Montenegro to Win:** +1005
- **Total Goals:** Over 4.5 (+), Under 4.5 (-)

Bookmakers expect a dominant Croatian display, given their attacking prowess and Montenegro’s defensive vulnerabilities. Croatia’s midfield maestros and clinical forwards could exploit spaces in the host’s backline.

Expert Prediction

Analysts project a comfortable Croatian victory. With qualification secured, Croatia may rotate key players but remains focused on finishing the group stage strongly. Montenegro’s resilience in recent matches could earn a consolation goal, but Croatia’s quality should prevail.

"This should be nothing more than a victory lap for Croatia as they polish off another successful qualifying cycle."

Key Takeaways

- Croatia aims to maintain their perfect qualifying record with a win.
- Montenegro seeks to build on recent wins against lower-ranked teams.
- Croatia’s experience in international tournaments gives them a psychological edge.
- Expect goals, with both teams possessing attacking threats despite Croatia’s defensive solidity.

What’s Next?

Croatia shifts focus to the 2026 World Cup, where they’ll look to build on their 2018 (runners-up) and 2022 (semifinal) campaigns. Montenegro will regroup and target improved performances in future qualifiers.

Conclusion

This clash is a tale of contrasts: Croatia, celebrating World Cup qualification, against Montenegro, battling to end the campaign on a positive note. While Croatia’s pedigree suggests an away victory, Montenegro’s home advantage could yield a spirited performance. Tune in on Fubo or Prime Video to witness the action unfold.