Croatia
Croatia (CRO) have been drawn in Group L for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside England, Ghana, Panama. Head coach Zlatko Dalić leads the squad. Ranked #9 by FIFA, the team have made 6 World Cup appearance(s). Their opening match is on July 2 against Portugal at BMO Field, Toronto.
Zlatko Dalić
HRZlatko Dalić (Croatian pronunciation: [zlâtko dǎːlitɕ]; born 26 October 1966) is a Croatian professional football manager and former player. He has been the manager of the Croatia national team since 2017. He has been the manager of Croatia since 2017 and led them to a second and third place finish at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, respectively, along with qualifications for UEFA Euro 2020 and UEFA Euro 2024. He has consequently been regarded as the greatest manager in the team's history.
- 2018 FIFA World Cup Runner-up
- 2022 FIFA World Cup Third Place
- 2023 Nations League Runner-up
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GK 2022 World Cup penalty shootout hero. Currently plying his trade at Lyon, a commanding presence between the posts, Dominik Livaković is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Croatia. Has earned 55 international caps, making him one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the squad. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
GK Croatia's next-generation goalkeeper, currently starring at Greek giants Panathinaikos. Kotarski developed through Dinamo Zagreb's academy before catching the eye of Ajax, who signed him in 2019. He spent several years in the Dutch club's system, gaining experience with Jong Ajax and earning sporadic first-team involvement. After finding regular minutes hard to come by in Amsterdam, he moved to Panathinaikos in 2024, where he quickly established himself as the undisputed starter. Sharp reflexes, commanding presence in the box, and excellent distribution with his feet define his game. With 8 senior caps earned, Kotarski is a leading candidate for Croatia's goalkeeper spot at the 2026 World Cup, eager to prove himself on the global stage.
GK Rijeka goalkeeper and Croatia's third-choice keeper. Currently plying his trade at Benfica, a commanding presence between the posts, Nediljko Labrović is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Croatia. Has earned 5 international caps, an emerging talent on the international stage. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
GK Panathinaikos goalkeeper and Croatia's backup keeper. Currently plying his trade at Pafos FC, a commanding presence between the posts, Ivica Ivušić is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Croatia. Has earned 10 international caps. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
GK Croatian goalkeeper plying his trade in Serie A with Hellas Verona. Pandur developed through Hajduk Split's academy, one of Croatia's most storied clubs, before making the leap to Italian football. Standing at an imposing 194cm, he commands his penalty area with authority and excels in dealing with crosses and aerial balls. He also possesses the distribution skills demanded of modern goalkeepers. His time at Hajduk saw him contribute to domestic cup success before Serie A came calling. With 3 senior caps, Pandur is part of Croatia's competitive goalkeeping group for the 2026 World Cup, having sharpened his skills against some of Italy's finest attacking talents.
GK An experienced Croatian goalkeeper currently at Real Sociedad B, bringing a wealth of knowledge from a career that has spanned multiple European leagues. Letica is a product of Hajduk Split's academy, one of Croatia's most beloved and historic clubs. He established himself as Hajduk's first-choice goalkeeper, earning a reputation for reliable shot-stopping and composure under pressure. His form earned him a move to Club Brugge in Belgium, where he gained invaluable experience competing in the Belgian Pro League and UEFA Champions League. Though currently plying his trade with Real Sociedad's reserve side in Spain, his accumulated experience across diverse footballing cultures makes him a valuable presence in Croatia's goalkeeping pool. With 2 senior caps, Letica is on the 2026 World Cup standby list as a trusted veteran option between the posts.
DF Bayern Munich right-back and a young Croatian international. Currently plying his trade at Bayer Leverkusen, a dependable defender, Josip Stanišić combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Croatia's backline. Has earned 15 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
DF Lyon centre-back and a regular in Croatia's defence. Currently plying his trade at Lyon, a dependable defender, Duje Ćaleta-Car combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Croatia's backline. Has earned 35 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
DF Ajax centre-back and one of Croatia's young defensive talents. Currently plying his trade at Ajax, a dependable defender, Josip Šutalo combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Croatia's backline. Has earned 15 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
DF At just 18 years old, Luka Vuskovic is one of the most exciting defensive talents in European football. A product of Hajduk Split's academy, he attracted attention from top clubs across Europe while still a teenager, with Tottenham Hotspur securing his signature in 2023. Sent on loan to Hamburger SV in the German second division to gain first-team experience, he quickly became a mainstay in their backline, displaying composure and maturity far beyond his years. Standing at 190cm, Vuskovic combines excellent positional awareness, dominant aerial ability, and surprisingly refined passing for a player his age. As the youngest member of Croatia's 2026 World Cup squad, he represents the next generation of Croatian defenders following in the footsteps of Lovren and Gvardiol, and the world stage awaits.
DF Bologna centre-back and a defensive option for Croatia. Currently plying his trade at Sassuolo, a dependable defender, Martin Erlić combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Croatia's backline. Has earned 10 international caps. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
DF Fenerbahçe centre-back and a Croatian international. Currently plying his trade at Rennes, a dependable defender, Marin Pongračić combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Croatia's backline. Has earned 15 international caps. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
DF Ajax left-back and Croatia's first-choice on the left flank. Currently plying his trade at Ajax, a dependable defender, Borna Sosa combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Croatia's backline. Has earned 25 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
DF Manchester City centre-back and Croatia's defensive cornerstone. Currently plying his trade at Manchester City, a dependable defender, Joško Gvardiol combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Croatia's backline. Has earned 45 international caps, scoring 4 goals, building significant international experience. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
DF A versatile Croatian defender plying his trade in the Bundesliga with SC Freiburg. Smolcic came through the ranks at HNK Rijeka, one of Croatia's top clubs, where he quickly demonstrated his ability to perform at both centre-back and right-back positions. This tactical flexibility is his greatest asset, making him a valuable squad player. His impressive form at Rijeka attracted the attention of Freiburg, a club renowned for developing young talent, and he joined the Bundesliga side in 2022. Under the disciplined coaching system in Freiburg, he has continued to grow, honing his composure on the ball, accurate long-range passing, and committed one-on-one defending. With 5 caps for Croatia, Smolcic is on the 2026 World Cup standby list, providing crucial defensive depth and ready to step in wherever needed across the backline.
MF Atalanta midfielder and a Croatian international. Currently plying his trade at Atalanta, an industrious midfielder, Mario Pašalić excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Croatia. Has earned 50 international caps, scoring 5 goals, building significant international experience. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
MF Manchester City midfielder and Croatia's technical fulcrum. Currently plying his trade at Manchester City, an industrious midfielder, Mateo Kovačić excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Croatia. Has earned 100 international caps, scoring 5 goals, making him one of the most senior figures in the squad. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
MF 2018 Ballon d'Or winner and Croatia's greatest ever player. Currently plying his trade at Real Madrid, an industrious midfielder, Luka Modrić excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Croatia. Has earned 178 international caps, scoring 25 goals, making him one of the most senior figures in the squad. Born in 1985, the 40-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
MF Al Nassr midfielder and Croatia's midfield metronome. Currently plying his trade at Al-Nassr, an industrious midfielder, Marcelo Brozović excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Croatia. Has earned 105 international caps, scoring 8 goals, making him one of the most senior figures in the squad. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
MF Dinamo Zagreb midfielder and one of Croatia's brightest young talents. Currently plying his trade at Dinamo Zagreb, an industrious midfielder, Martin Baturina excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Croatia. Has earned 15 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
MF Wolfsburg midfielder and Croatia's creative playmaker. Currently plying his trade at Wolfsburg, an industrious midfielder, Lovro Majer excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Croatia. Has earned 30 international caps, scoring 4 goals. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
MF A well-travelled box-to-box midfielder with experience across multiple European leagues, currently competing for Red Star Belgrade in Serbia. Moro is a product of Dinamo Zagreb's academy, Croatia's most prestigious football development program. After establishing himself in Zagreb's first team, he ventured to Serie A with Bologna and then to the Russian Premier League with Dynamo Moscow, broadening his footballing education. Since joining Red Star Belgrade in 2023, he has been a consistent performer, helping the club in their European qualification campaigns. His game is characterized by relentless engine, defensive awareness, and the ability to surge forward and contribute in attack. With 12 caps and 1 goal for Croatia, Moro brings valuable tactical flexibility and European experience to the 2026 World Cup squad.
MF Real Sociedad midfielder tipped as the next Modrić for Croatia. Currently plying his trade at Real Sociedad, an industrious midfielder, Luka Sučić excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Croatia. Has earned 20 international caps, scoring 3 goals. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
MF A creative force in Croatian domestic football, Toni Fruk is a midfield maestro at NK Osijek in the Croatian top flight. Developed entirely through Osijek's youth system, he has grown from a promising youngster into one of the HNL's most dangerous attacking midfielders. His trademark long-range strikes and precise set-piece delivery make him a constant threat, with free kicks and corners frequently creating scoring opportunities. Consistent performances at club level earned him a call-up to the Croatian national team, where he has earned 4 caps. As one of the few domestically based players in Croatia's World Cup squad, Fruk's selection underscores his quality, proving that outstanding talent can emerge from outside the major European leagues. He will look to make his mark on the global stage at the 2026 World Cup.
MF Torino midfielder and an attacking option for Croatia. Currently plying his trade at Torino, an industrious midfielder, Nikola Vlašić excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Croatia. Has earned 35 international caps, scoring 4 goals. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
MF One of Croatia's most promising young midfielders, currently developing his craft at RB Salzburg in Austria. Petar is the younger brother of Luka Sucic, making them one of football's notable sibling duos both representing Croatia at international level. A product of RB Salzburg's highly regarded youth academy, Sucic progressed through the age groups before earning first-team opportunities, gaining experience in both the Austrian Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League. His game is built on elegant close control, incisive passing, and a footballing intelligence that belies his 23 years. Capable of operating as both a central midfielder and an attacking playmaker, he offers versatility in Croatia's midfield. With 6 caps and 1 goal already, Sucic is an integral part of Croatia's 2026 World Cup plans, representing the exciting future of the nation's midfield tradition.
MF A tireless defensive midfielder bringing Bundesliga experience to Croatia's engine room. Jakic rose through the ranks at NK Osijek before establishing himself at Dinamo Zagreb, where he became a key figure in midfield, helping the club win Croatian league titles and qualify for the Champions League group stage. His impressive displays earned him a move to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2021, where he featured in Europa League campaigns. He subsequently joined FC Augsburg, continuing his career in the Bundesliga. Jakic is defined by his immense work rate, tactical discipline, and ability to break up opposition attacks with well-timed interceptions. With 18 caps, he provides crucial midfield solidity for Croatia heading into the 2026 World Cup.
MF A promising young Croatian midfielder developing at Dinamo Zagreb, the country's most successful and decorated club. Segecic is the latest product of Dinamo's prolific academy, which has produced a remarkable line of Croatian midfield talent over the decades. His versatility is a standout quality, as he is equally comfortable sitting deep and dictating play or pushing forward to contribute in the final third. Consistent performances in the Croatian HNL and impressive showings in European competition have earned him recognition from the national team setup. With 2 caps at age 23, his inclusion on the 2026 World Cup standby list speaks to his immense potential. The experience of competing against top European sides in Champions League qualification with Dinamo provides a strong foundation for his continued development.
MF One of Croatia's youngest and most exciting midfield prospects, currently at Dinamo Zagreb. At just 21 years old, Stojkovic is another gifted midfielder to emerge from Dinamo's legendary academy, which continues to produce players who carry on Croatia's rich midfield tradition. Despite his youth, he has already earned first-team minutes at Dinamo, showcasing poise and technical quality beyond his years. His playing style is characterized by intelligent positioning, crisp short passing, and a mature reading of the game that draws comparisons to the Croatian midfield lineage of Modric and Kovacic. With 1 senior cap, Stojkovic is among the youngest players on Croatia's 2026 World Cup standby list, representing the nation's investment in the future. European competition experience with Dinamo has accelerated his development on the biggest stages.
FW Hajduk Split winger and a Croatian legend with over 130 caps. Currently plying his trade at Hajduk Split, a clinical forward, Ivan Perišić possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Croatia's primary attacking threat. Has earned 130 international caps, scoring 34 goals. Born in 1989, the 37-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
FW Hoffenheim forward and one of Croatia's all-time top scorers. Currently plying his trade at Hoffenheim, a clinical forward, Andrej Kramarić possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Croatia's primary attacking threat. Has earned 100 international caps, scoring 29 goals. Born in 1991, the 34-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
FW A powerful Croatian centre-forward with a remarkably globe-trotting career, now at Portuguese giants Benfica. Musa's journey has taken him from Croatia to the Czech Republic with Slavia Prague, across the Atlantic to MLS with FC Dallas, and on to Lisbon. At Slavia Prague, he contributed to a Czech league title before a prolific spell at FC Dallas in 2023-24, where his goal-scoring exploits attracted European attention. Standing at 190cm, he combines physical dominance in the air with sharp movement and clinical finishing inside the penalty area. Equally effective as a traditional target man or leading the line with pace, Musa offers tactical options for any coach. With 10 caps and 3 goals for Croatia, he brings proven goalscoring pedigree and diverse league experience to the 2026 World Cup campaign.
FW Osasuna forward and a reliable option in Croatia's attack. Currently plying his trade at Osasuna, a clinical forward, Ante Budimir possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Croatia's primary attacking threat. Has earned 45 international caps, scoring 12 goals. Born in 1991, the 34-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
FW Dinamo Zagreb striker who scored a crucial equalizer in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against Brazil. Currently plying his trade at Dinamo Zagreb, a clinical forward, Bruno Petković possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Croatia's primary attacking threat. Has earned 35 international caps, scoring 4 goals. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
FW Eintracht Frankfurt forward and a promising young Croatian striker. Currently plying his trade at Eintracht Frankfurt, a clinical forward, Igor Matanović possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Croatia's primary attacking threat. Has earned 8 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Born in 2003, the 22-year-old is already making waves at the international level, with an exciting career ahead. Set to compete with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
FW An exciting young forward emerging from HNK Rijeka, one of Croatia's most historic clubs. Pasalic developed through Rijeka's academy and has quickly risen to prominence as one of the most talked-about attackers in the Croatian HNL. His game combines explosive pace with intelligent off-the-ball movement and an increasingly clinical finishing touch. Versatile enough to operate as a centre-forward or cut in from the flanks, he offers tactical flexibility to any side. After establishing himself as Rijeka's first-choice striker during the 2024-25 season, his goal contributions caught the eye of Croatia's coaching staff, earning him 3 caps and 1 goal at senior level. At just 23, his inclusion in the 2026 World Cup squad signals Croatia's faith in the next generation of attacking talent.
FW A towering Croatian centre-forward bringing aerial dominance to the Bundesliga with FC Augsburg. Born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Beljo holds dual nationality and chose to represent Croatia at international level. He honed his skills at NK Osijek in the Croatian HNL, where his prolific goal record, particularly with his head, earned him a move to the Bundesliga in 2023. Standing at an imposing 194cm, Beljo is a classic target man who excels in holding up play, winning aerial duels, and providing a physical presence inside the box. His heading ability is among the best in the Croatian squad, making him a potent weapon from crosses and set pieces. With 8 caps and 2 goals, he is on Croatia's standby list for the 2026 World Cup, offering a powerful Plan B in attack.
FW A sharp young Croatian striker making his mark in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt. Ivanovic began his professional career at NK Istra 1961 in Croatia before moving to Hajduk Split, where his prolific goalscoring and predatory instincts attracted attention from top European clubs. He secured a move to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2024, stepping into one of Europe's most competitive leagues. His game revolves around intelligent movement in the box, composure in front of goal, and the ability to score with both feet and his head. Capable of playing as a lone striker or a second forward, he offers versatility in attack. With 4 caps and 1 goal for Croatia, he is named on the 2026 World Cup standby list, ready to step in should an opportunity arise.
GROUP STANDINGS — Group L
GROUP RIVALS — Group L
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FAQ
- What group is Croatia in at the 2026 World Cup?
- Croatia are in Group L alongside England, Ghana, Panama.
- Who is the head coach of Croatia?
- The head coach of Croatia is Zlatko Dalić.
- When is Croatia's first World Cup match?
- July 2, 2026 against Portugal at BMO Field.
- What is Croatia's best World Cup finish?
- Croatia's best result is Runner-up, with 6 total appearances.