Croatia vs Slovenia Prediction: Budimir to secure starting spot

Croatia round off their preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a game against neighbours Slovenia at Stadion Andelko (8.45pm local, 7.45pm BST, Prime Video). 

Facing England in their opener, Thomas Tuchel will have half an eye on this fixture, as Croatia target a repeat of 2018, when they reached the World Cup final. Check out my Croatia vs Slovenia predictions down below. 

Team News

Zlatko Dalic is set to name a full-strength side for his team’s final friendly - with all eyes on that test against England. Most of the first team played for an hour in the 2-0 defeat to Belgium, but they could make a few tweaks in this one. 

It looks like a 3-4-3 system for Croatia this summer, with Josko Gvardiol on the left of the back three. Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric should feature in the middle of the park, while Ivan Perisic is likely to start as the left wing-back. 

Ante Budimir will want to play as the number nine, with FC Dallas striker Petar Musa currently holding the shirt. 

Slovenia drew 1-1 with Cyprus on Thursday night and are likely to name a similar team for this game, with Jan Oblak in goal and in-form Swansea City striker Zan Vipotnik set to lead the line again. 

Football Odds

Croatia vs Slovenia Odds

Croatia are the 4/11 favourites to win this game, with Slovenia the underdogs at 7/1. A draw is 10/3, over 2.5 goals is 4/5 and BTTS is 6/5.

Petar Musa is the 10/3 favourite to open the scoring. 

Croatia to win and under 2.5 goals @ 2/1

Croatia have found life tough against two excellent teams in their last two friendlies, but this one should be slightly more forgiving against a Slovenia side ready for their holidays. This is an ageing Croatian squad who could find life tough in the heat of the USA.

They should be able to beat their neighbours given home advantage and their individual quality, especially as Slovenia couldn’t even beat Cyprus last time out. With the hosts also not wanting to risk injuries before they head to North America, I think this could be a slow paced game, with goals not at the top of the priority list for either side. Home win and under 2.5 goals appeals.

Ante Budimir to score @ 5/4

I’m backing Budimir to find the net for Croatia in this one, given he is still battling for the number nine shirt at the World Cup with Petar Musa. The Osasuna striker, now 34, had another superb season in La Liga, scoring 17 goals in 37 league appearances. 

I’d back him to get the nod for the opener against England, but a goal here would surely seal his starting spot. Decent price to find the net against Slovenia at anytime.