Croatia vs England: Why is Nations League match being played behind closed doors?

England's match against Croatia in the Nations League on Saturday will be played behind closed doors in Rijeka.

The game will take place in front of a reduced crowd in the same venue in which the two sides met, also behind closed doors, in a 0-0 draw in October 2018.

The limited capacity is because of crowd disturbances involving Croatia fans during a Nations League match against France in March 2025.

Seven fans were taken into custody on suspicion of making Nazi salutes during the match, and released without prosecution because of a lack of evidence.

In their section of Stade de France, where that match took place, Croatia supporters also set off fireworks.

On top of that, Croatia were also prohibited from having travelling supporters in their 2-1 win in the Czech Republic last Saturday.

While the match is officially being played behind closed doors, there will be some supporters in attendance.

Between 3,000 and 6,000 Croatian schoolchildren have been permitted to attend the match at Stadion Riejka.

Initially, England fans were not allowed to attend. Following discussions with Uefa and England, the Three Lions were later permitted to have 100 complimentary tickets given to their fans.