Spain beat Czechia 3–1 and retain the Group A3 lead

Spain beat Czechia 3–1 in Oviedo on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Lamine Yamal, Rodrigo and Mikel Merino scored for Spain, while Slama pulled one back. The result took Spain to nine points from three matches and kept them alone at the top of UEFA Nations League Group A3. Their next assignment is away to Croatia in Split on Tuesday, October 6.

How the 3–1 win unfolded in Oviedo

Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute after starting the move on the right, exchanging passes with Dani Olmo and shooting from the edge of the area. According to the RFEF’s official match report, it was the forward’s 11th goal for Spain.

The lead grew before halftime. Rodrigo started and finished the move for the second goal, officially recorded in the 36th minute. Spain controlled possession after the break, but Czechia narrowed the deficit in the 70th minute when Slama completed a counterattack.

The one-goal margin lasted until the closing minutes. Víctor Muñoz took a shot, the goalkeeper parried it and Merino converted the rebound in the 88th minute. The third-round match was played at Estadio Carlos Tartiere in front of 28,515 spectators.

The Group A3 picture

The UEFA fixture and results list records three Spanish wins: 3–2 away to England, 4–1 against Croatia and now 3–1 against Czechia. That gives Spain nine points from a possible nine.

England are the nearest challengers with six points after beating Czechia and Croatia. Croatia have three, while Czechia remain without a point. The third round therefore left Spain three points clear of England and increased the gap to the other two teams.

The group is not settled. Every League A team plays six league-phase fixtures between September and November. Spain still have return matches against England and Czechia ahead.

Why the trip to Croatia matters

The next match gives Spain a chance to end the first international window with a perfect record. Croatia, meanwhile, enter the fixture after a 7–0 defeat by England and need a response to avoid falling further behind the leading teams.

It is also a quick rematch: Spain defeated Croatia 4–1 on September 29. That score provides context but does not make the return fixture a formality. Three more points are available, and Spain will be playing away from home.

Date, time and venue of the next match

Croatia host Spain on October 6, 2026, at 20:45 Spanish peninsular time at Poljud Stadium in Split. It is a Group A3 matchday-four fixture, as confirmed by the Spanish national team calendar.

Times and operational details can change, so supporters should check the official page before the match. The sources reviewed do not identify a specific US broadcaster, which means no television or streaming outlet can be stated reliably here.

What to watch next

The immediate consequence is straightforward: Spain control their own position at the top. Another victory would preserve their perfect campaign; any other result could allow England to reduce the gap if they beat Czechia in their own October 6 fixture.

Spain then return to action in November, visiting Czechia on the 12th and hosting England on the 15th. The closing stretch therefore still contains direct meetings with both opponents capable of changing the group standings.