UEFA u-turns on England ticket decision for Croatia game – how many fans are allowed in?

England have received a boost ahead of the September-October international break, after UEFA agreed to allow 100 Three Lions fans to attend the Nations League showdown against Croatia at Stadion HNK Rijeka on October 3.

European football's governing body hit the Blazers with a stadium ban, meaning that the fixture was set to be played behind closed doors, but the reversal will enable a small England contingent to make some noise in Croatia.

Why was Croatia vs England meant to be played behind closed doors?

After crowd issues arose during Croatia's Nations League quarter-final against France in March 2025, UEFA decided to punish the Blazers with a two-match stadium ban.

They were also ordered to pay a €93,000 (£79,000) fine, alongside damages to cover repairs to the Stade de France that were caused by Croatia fans in the away leg of that tie.

However, while October's hosts will be without the support of a home crowd for England's visit, the presence of opposition fans could give Thomas Tuchel's side an edge in Rijeka.

In response to UEFA's decision, the England released a statement:

“We’re pleased to confirm that, following discussions with UEFA, a small delegation of England Supporters Travel Club members will be permitted to attend England’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Croatia on Saturday 3 October,” an England statement read.

“It was announced shortly after confirmation of this fixture that the match will be played behind closed doors, but we have secured an allocation of 100 complimentary tickets for active 2026-2028 England Supporters Travel Club members.”

Which fans are eligible for Croatia vs England tickets?

The Three Lions' statement noted that only members of the England Supporters Travel Club with an active 2026-28 membership can register for a ticket to Croatia vs England.

Fans that meet the criteria have until 12pm on Friday, September 18 to register for a chance to grab a ticket.

Keep in mind that supporters will be given priority access to tickets based on their all-time attendance record, with matches in the most recent window acting to separate those with the same number of games under their belt.

FGG Says: Credit to the FA for pushing

A contingent of 100 fans may be a small number, but the FA deserve credit for pushing UEFA to allow even such a minor group to attend.

In the grand scheme of things, the minuscule crowd will not make much of a difference to the outcome of the match, but fighting for the Three Lions faithful to have a chance to see the team in action will only serve to strengthen the bond between the setup and the nation's most die-hard supporters.