Will Croatia vs England be played in empty stadium? UEFA fan ban explained

Croatia and England are scheduled to face off in a UEFA Nations League match on October 3, set to be played in an empty stadium due to UEFA's sanctions for unsportsmanlike fan behavior. The ban on traveling fans was imposed following flares and firecrackers being set off at a 2025 match in France and the presence of seven fans caught on camera performing Nazi salutes during the same tournament.

However, an exception to the ban allows for eight groups to attend the game, including team delegations, journalists, police, security personnel, and children aged 14 or under (when accompanied by an adult).

The HNK Rijeka Stadium, which has a capacity of over 8,000, will likely be filled with children and their guardians, creating a unique atmosphere. Interestingly, England supporters, who were initially banned from attending, managed to secure 100 complimentary tickets through discussions with UEFA in September. This arrangement promises to add an intriguing dynamic to the match, with a small contingent of traveling fans supporting their team and a larger group of children backing the home side.

In terms of on-field performance, both teams have struggled against Spain in the Nations League, but England pulled through with a 2-0 victory over Czechia. Croatia, on the other hand, secured a 2-1 win against their Czech counterparts.