Spain aim to maintain perfect Nations League record against winless Czech Republic

Spain, already through to the 2026-27 Nations League quarter-finals, continue their Group A3 campaign against a Czech Republic side that has lost all four of its matches on Thursday evening.

La Roja lead the section by three points from second-placed England, while the Czech Republic sit fourth and are still without a point. Spain are yet to drop one, scoring 12 goals in four victories.

The Czech Republic’s campaign began with a 2-1 home defeat by Croatia, followed by a 2-0 loss at home to England. They then fell to a 3-1 defeat in Spain before England won 3-0 at Wembley in their most recent fixture.

Santi Denia’s side can no longer reach the quarter-finals and remain at risk of relegation to League B, although they can still finish third. Their final group match is away to Croatia on 15 November, and ending the campaign without a point would be a major disappointment.

The Czech Republic have lost six of their past seven matches in all competitions. Their only victory in that run came in a friendly against Guatemala in June.

Spain, meanwhile, have won their past 11 matches in all competitions. They have not suffered a defeat in normal time since March 2024, although they lost the 2025 Nations League final to Portugal on penalties.

Luis de la Fuente’s team, world champions in July, opened this group campaign with a 3-2 victory over England, then beat Croatia 4-1 and the Czech Republic 3-1 before defeating Croatia 2-1 during the previous international break. Spain are regarded as the leading contenders for the Nations League trophy.

They have also never lost to the Czech Republic, recording six wins and two draws in eight meetings. A Czech victory on Thursday would therefore be a first in the fixture’s history.

Team news and betting tips

The Czech Republic will be without suspended Michal Sadilek, while Ladislav Krejci is available again after serving his suspension against England. Tomas Soucek is expected to make his 94th appearance, with Vladimir Coufal set for his 68th cap.

Adam Hlozek, who has scored five goals in 50 internationals, should lead the attack. Eighteen-year-old Idris Hopi is hoping to make his senior international debut during the match.

Spain will be without Lamine Yamal, who has a knee injury sustained playing for FC Barcelona against Atletico de Madrid on Sunday. The 19-year-old is expected to join the Spanish squad after this match ahead of Sunday’s meeting with England. Mikel Oyarzabal is also absent because of illness.

Alex Baena and Fermin Lopez are both one booking away from suspension for the England match, but are expected to start in Prague.

The suggested tips are Spain to win 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0 at 2.27, Ferran Torres to score at 1.85, and Fabian Ruiz to make a decisive contribution at 2.55.

Form

Czech Republic in the Nations League: DDDD Czech Republic in all competitions: NDDDDD Spain in the Nations League: VVVV Spain in all competitions: VVVVVV