England fans celebrate during the World Cup

England have confirmed 100 fans will be permitted to watch their Nations League clash against Croatia in Rijeka.

The contest was originally set to be played behind closed doors, with UEFA handing down the punishment due to crowd issues during Croatia's Nations League quarter-final against France in March 2025.

England supporters at the World Cup
3
A small portion of England fans will have to try and provide the noise against CroatiaCredit: Getty

Along with the two-match crowd ban, UEFA fined Croatia a total of €93,000 (£79,000) and ordered them to cover the cost of repairs after their visiting fans caused damage to the Stade de France during the return leg.

England release statement confirming limited attendance for Croatia clash

However, following lobbying from FA chiefs, UEFA have softened their stance.

"We’re pleased to confirm that, following discussions with UEFA, a small delegation of England Supporters Travel Club members will be permitted to attend England’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Croatia on Saturday 3 October," an England statement read.

"It was announced shortly after confirmation of this fixture that the match will be played behind closed doors, but we have secured an allocation of 100 complimentary tickets for active 2026-2028 England Supporters Travel Club members."

Which fans are eligible to attend England's Nations League game against Croatia?

The statement added that the only eligible fans who can register are active 2026-2028 England Supporters Travel Club members and they can register for themselves only.

Tickets will be allocated based on all-time caps, with active caps used to separate those who have the same all-time caps total.

Eligible members have until 12pm on Friday to register.

The upcoming Nations League clash between England and Croatia is not the first time they have played each other behind closed doors.

England's last visit to Croatia, back in 2018, was contested with no fans present due to fan violence.

Along with the England fixture on October 3, Croatia are banned from having fans attend their clash against Czechia on September 26.

Luka Vuskovic
3
This year's World Cup was the first time England and Croatia faced off since June 2021Credit: Getty

Croatia will hope to exact revenge on England in the upcoming fixture after Thomas Tuchel's side prevailed 4-2 in their World Cup group opener.

The two sides both netted twice in the opening half before goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford got England's World Cup campaign off to a winning start.

Both nations qualified for the knockout stage, but Croatia's run ended shortly afterwards as they were beaten 2-1 by Portugal in the round of 32.

As for England, they went on to finish third, the nation's best finish since winning the World Cup in 1966.

The Three Lions' trip to Croatia is one of four fixtures they will play in the upcoming international break.

When do England play in the upcoming international break?

Tuchel's side will face Spain in their first game following the World Cup, with the clash to take place at Wembley on September 26.

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, looks on during a training session
3
Tuchel's long-term focus has now switched to Euro 2028, which will be played on home soilCredit: Getty

The Three Lions then travel to Czechia three days later on September 29.

England then face Croatia on October 3 before rounding out the international break at Wembley against Czechia on October 6.

talkSPORT will have live commentary of all four matches.

Topics