Croatia selects Poljud as venue for Nations League quarterfinal

Poljud stadium in Split (Photo credit: Quintin Soloviev/CC BY 4.0)

The Executive Committee of the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has announced that the UEFA Nations League quarter-final match between Croatia and France will take place at the Poljud Stadium in Split.

After securing a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals as one of the top eight teams in Europe, the Croatian national team learned on Friday in Nyon that they will face the current World Cup runners-up, France, on their path to the finals tournament.

The first leg of the quarter-final is scheduled for Thursday, 20 March 2025, with a kick-off time of 20:45. By decision of the HNS Executive Committee, the match will be held at Poljud Stadium in Split.

“Split is the logical and best choice for this match, as it is fitting to play such an important fixture at the stadium with the largest capacity, which is currently Poljud.

Considering the competitive significance and the strength and appeal of our opponents, this will be one of the most spectacular home matches in our history. I am confident that we can expect a magnificent atmosphere at Poljud. With the utmost respect for France, I believe in our team and coaching staff, and we will aim for a positive result before the return leg in France,” said HNS President Marijan Kustić.

The return leg is scheduled for 23 March 2025 in France. The winner of this clash will secure a place in the Nations League finals and will face either Spain or the Netherlands in the semi-finals.

The quarterfinals are:

Netherlands v Spain

Denmark v Portugal

Croatia v France

Italy v Germany

In the previous edition of the Nations League, Croatia claimed the silver medal, having topped a group that included France, Denmark, and Austria.

Following a semi-final victory over the Netherlands, Croatia drew 0-0 with Spain in the final, with Spain winning the trophy after a penalty shootout.