Croatia vs England: The Reason for the Closed-Door Match

England’s Nations League fixture against Croatia in Rijeka will be played with strict restrictions on spectators, meaning the match will effectively take place behind closed doors.

The game will be held at Stadion Rujevica, the same venue where England and Croatia previously faced each other in October 2018. That encounter ended in a goalless draw and was also played without a regular crowd.

The latest restrictions are linked to incidents involving Croatia supporters during their Nations League meeting with France in March 2025.

Seven Croatian fans were detained after allegedly making Nazi salutes during the match. However, they were released without prosecution after authorities found there was insufficient evidence to proceed with charges.

There were also reports of fireworks being set off by Croatia supporters inside their designated section of the Stade de France during the fixture.

Croatia subsequently faced further restrictions, including a ban on travelling supporters for their 2-1 Nations League victory against the Czech Republic the following Saturday.

Will Fans Be Allowed to Attend Croatia vs England?

Although the match is officially classified as being played behind closed doors, a limited number of spectators will still be present at Stadion Rujevica.

Between 3,000 and 6,000 Croatian schoolchildren have been given permission to attend the fixture. Their presence means the stadium will not be completely empty despite the disciplinary restrictions.

England supporters were initially prevented from attending the match. However, after discussions involving Uefa and the English side, a small allocation was eventually approved.

Around 100 complimentary tickets were made available to England fans, allowing a limited number of travelling supporters to watch the Three Lions in Rijeka.

The unusual arrangements will give the Nations League clash a very different atmosphere from a normal international fixture, with strict limits on who can enter the stadium.

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