Montenegro built a 2:0 lead over Croatia, but ultimately lost 3:2 in Monday night's match in Podgorica.
Milutin Osmajić in the third minute and Nikola Krstović in the 17th minute scored for Montenegro's 2:0 lead.
Ivan Perisic narrowed the score in the 37th minute. Kristijan Jakic scored for 2:2 in the 72nd minute, while Nikola Vlasic scored the winning goal for the Croatians in the 87th minute.
Croatia had previously secured their place in the World Cup, winning Group L of the qualifiers with 22 points. Montenegro finished in fourth place with nine points.
From this group, the Czech Republic will appear in the playoffs, which is ranked second with 16 points. The Faroe Islands remained in third place with 12 points, while Gibraltar lost all eight matches. The match between the Czech Republic and Gibraltar was also played on Monday. The Czechs won 6:0.